Shirt worn by Pele in 1958 World Cup final sells for £3.65million

A shirt worn by Pele in the 1958 World Cup final has sold for $4.9million (£3.65million) at a Sotheby's auction in New York.

The item becomes the second most valuable football jersey after Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" top, which sold for £7.1million in 2022.

Pele's shirt received 10 bids, becoming the most expensive item to be sold at auction.

The Brazilian, who was just 17 at the time of wearing the jersey, scored twice against Sweden in the final, winning the first of his three World Cups.

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Sotheby's head of sports strategy and development, Brendan Hawkes, said: "Today's result is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest footballers of all time.

"This shirt is not only a lasting reminder of one of the most important moments in football history, but is principally connected to the very moment that catapulted Pele into a global sporting icon."

Several other memorable items also sold at auction, including Maradona's armband when he scored the "Hand of God", going for £380,000.

Lionel Messi's 2017 Barcelona shirt from the club's incredible 6-1 comeback victory over Paris St-Germain sold for just over £161,000.

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The Argentine will feature in his third World Cup final on Sunday, after his side beat England in the semi-final 2-1.

Messi is currently the top scorer in the competition with eight goals and tied for second in the assist tally with four.

He will have to find a way past an incredibly tricky Spanish side, who have only conceded once so far this tournament.

Speaking ahead of the prospect of playing Spain, Messi said: "They're a tremendous team, with outstanding players. They play excellent football.

"I know the Spanish side well, and they have a style of play they've developed over many years. I know the players too.

"I've played against many of them, and I follow them closely.

"Several of the squad play for Barca, a club that means a great deal to me and that I still keep up with.

"It will be a special World Cup final, and obviously, I expect it to be very closely matched."

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

Reflecting on the game, Messi said: "I think we showed again what we've been doing for years. This team plays free-flowing, high-quality football.

"We're patient, and we know how to read the key moments in a game. I think we dictated the game from the start.

"Although we didn't create any clear chances before half-time, we were in control and saw a lot of the ball. And after they scored, we were even better."

Argentina play the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday night at 8pm.

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