Top 11 Lionel Messi Rookie Cards to Buy in 2025

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Lionel Messi remains the undisputed GOAT—the greatest of all time—in soccer. Since his headline-making move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has transformed Major League Soccer (MLS), boosting attendance, driving global viewership, and firmly putting U.S. soccer on the map. His impact on and off the pitch continues to fuel interest from fans and collectors alike.

As a result, Messi’s rookie cards have seen renewed demand and rising values, especially as his time on the pitch nears its final chapters.

Card sales data from 2024 and early 2025 show strong momentum for key Messi rookies, including record-setting prices for high-grade Panini Mega Cracks and Panini Stickers. Whether you’re a long-time collector or new to soccer cards, this guide breaks down the best Lionel Messi rookie cards to consider.

🏆 Top Leo Messi Rookie Cards to Buy (With PSA Pop & Prices)

Card	#	PSA 10 Pop	Recent PSA 10 Value
2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS	#71-BIS	19	$266,400
2004 Panini Stickers Colecciones Este Rookie	n/a	10	$52,800
2024 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca Campeon (Spanish) Rookie #35	#35	55	$8,800
2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca Campio (Catalan) Rookie	#35	16	$39,600
2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campio (Catalan) Rookie	#62	8	$20,000
2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campeon Rookie	#62	95	$5,100
2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campeon Facsimile Autograph Rookie	#89	192	$4,440
2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campio Facsimile Autograph Rookie	#89	16	$39,600
2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Rookie #617	#617	47	$27,000
2004 Mundi Cromo Top Liga Lionel MESSI/FRANCISCO FOIL Rookie	#195	1	$1375 but this was in 2018, estimated five figures today.
2004 Mundi Cromo Top Liga MESSI/FRANCISCO LLOMPART/BORJA FERNANDEZ/DANIEL RODRIGUEZ	#195	2	$1200 (PSA 9), no recent PSA 10 sales

1. 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS

“The Crown Jewel of Lionel Messi Rookie Cards“

Overview

The 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS is the definitive Lionel Messi rookie card. Released exclusively in Spain, this card marked Messi’s debut in a high-end Panini product and is recognized globally as his true rookie. It showcases a young Messi in his FC Barcelona kit at the very start of his professional career.

🔗 Click here to search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS Messi cards on eBay

Why This Card Stands Above the Rest

• Official club-issued rookie from Messi’s debut season
• Released in a limited regional distribution, not widely available internationally
• Condition-sensitive due to full-bleed edges and thin card stock
• Long considered the top-tier Messi rookie among collectors

📊 PSA Population & Market Values

• PSA 10 Population: 19
• PSA 9 Population: 48
• Recent PSA 10 Sale: $266,400
• Recent PSA 9 Sales: $23,000+

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

For serious soccer card collectors, this is the Messi card that defines a collection. This is a blue-chip card with long-term upside. Its limited supply in high grades, global recognition, and connection to one of the most celebrated careers in sports history make it a reliable long-term hold. Whether you’re building a Messi master set or showcasing modern grails, this card belongs front and center.

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2. 2004 Panini Stickers Colecciones Este Rookie

“Messi’s Most Iconic Sticker Rookie”

Overview

The 2004 Panini Colecciones Este sticker is one of Messi’s earliest and most recognizable rookie releases. While technically a sticker, it holds significant weight in the hobby, particularly among international and vintage soccer collectors. Distributed in Spain, this sticker features a teenage Messi with Barcelona during his official debut season.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Stickers Messi Rookie on eBay

📈 Why It Matters

• Considered Messi’s first widely available rookie
• Hugely popular among traditional soccer collectors
• Increasingly difficult to find in high-grade condition due to thin stock and surface wear
• Recognized globally as a key piece in any Messi collection

📊 PSA Population & Market Values

• PSA 10 Population: 10
• PSA 8 Population: 44
• Recent PSA 8 Sale: $2,500
• PSA 10 Estimated Value: ~$50,000+ (depending on centering & surface)

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

This sticker is arguably Messi’s most accessible “true” rookie, and its growing popularity reflects that. As more collectors enter the market and appreciate the cultural relevance of soccer stickers (especially in Europe and South America), high-grade examples of this card are being quickly absorbed. Expect demand — and prices — to continue climbing as inventory dries up.

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3. 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Barca Campeon (Spanish) RC #35

“An Underrated Gem Among Messi Rookies“

Overview

The 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Barca Campeon #35 is one of Lionel Messi’s lesser-known rookie cards — but increasingly appreciated by seasoned collectors. It features a sharp, close-up portrait of a young Messi in his Barcelona kit, framed in bold red and blue. It’s part of the premium Spanish Mega Cracks “Campeon” set, distinct from the Catalan-language “Campio” edition.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Campeon #35 Messi on eBay

Messi appears in three different Mega Cracks rookie cards:

• #71-BIS (his flagship rookie)
• #89 (Barca Campeon team card)
• #35 (this close-up portrait)

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📊 PSA Population & Market Values

• PSA 8 Population: 148
• PSA 9+ Population: 208
• Earlier PSA 8 Value: ~$700
• Recent PSA 8 Sales: ~$1,500+

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

This card offers a unique entry point into Messi’s rookie portfolio. The clean design and increasing awareness among collectors have led to a recent surge in value. As more attention shifts to alternate Messi rookies beyond #71-BIS, this one is becoming tougher to find — especially in high-grade condition. It’s a visually striking and potentially undervalued option for those looking to diversify their Messi collection.

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4. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca Campio (Catalan) Rookie #35

“The Catalan Twist on a Classic Messi Rookie”

Overview

This Catalan variation of the 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #35 features nearly identical design and imagery to the Spanish “Campeon” version — but with a key regional difference. Instead of “Campeon,” the top-left FC Barcelona crest reads “Campio,” reflecting the Catalan language edition of the set.

While visually subtle, this variation is important to collectors focused on completing a full Messi rookie run or regional Mega Cracks master set.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Campeon #35 Messi on eBay

📊 PSA Population & Market Values

• PSA 8 Population: 148
• PSA 9+ Population: 208
• Earlier PSA 8 Value: ~$700
• Recent PSA 8 Sales: ~$1,500+

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

This card offers a unique entry point into Messi’s rookie portfolio. The clean design and increasing awareness among collectors have led to a recent surge in value. As more attention shifts to alternate Messi rookies beyond #71-BIS, this one is becoming tougher to find, especially in high-grade condition. It’s a visually striking and potentially undervalued option for those looking to diversify their Messi collection.

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5. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campio (Catalan) Rookie #62

“A Low-Key Catalan Rookie with Rising Appeal”

Overview

The 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #62 is another key Lionel Messi rookie card from the Catalan “Campio” edition of Panini’s Spanish Mega Cracks release. The card features Messi in action, and subtle “Campio” text in fine print near the top left — distinguishing it from the Spanish “Campeon” version.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Campio #62 Messi on eBay

What Sets It Apart

Unlike the more prominent Mega Cracks #71-BIS and #35, this version has flown under the radar for years. But with the growing interest in Messi’s regional rookie variations, the Campio #62 is beginning to draw more attention — especially among completists and collectors focused on true early issues.

📊 PSA & Market Snapshot

• PSA 9 Estimated Value: ~$950
• Recent Sale: BGS 9 sold for $1,000
• Availability: Limited — fewer graded copies surface compared to the Campeon version

🔍 What Sets It Apart

This card is often overlooked compared to the #71-BIS or #35 rookies, but it’s part of the same prestigious 2004 Mega Cracks lineup. The Campio version commands a slight premium over the Campeon variation due to lower availability on the secondary market and a tighter PSA population.

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

This card offers a compelling mix of recognition, rarity, and affordability. As collectors look beyond the marquee Messi rookies to complete regional and set-based collections, demand for Campio variations like #62 is rising. With Messi’s continued global impact — particularly in the U.S. — even his lesser-known rookies are becoming tougher to find.

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6. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campeon Rookie #62

“A Smart Rookie Alternative with Long-Term Upside”

Overview

The 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #62 Campeon is one of several Messi rookie cards from Panini’s 2004 Spanish release. It features a similar design and player image to the Campio (Catalan) variation, with the only difference being the text in the top-left corner of the card — “Campeon” for Spanish, vs. “Campio” for Catalan.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Campeon #62 Messi on eBay

🔍 Market Insights

This version is more affordable than Messi’s top-tier rookies and slightly less scarce than its Campio counterpart, making it a great value option for investors and collectors. With a PSA 8 value around $600, it offers upside potential, especially as demand continues to rise for Messi’s rookie-year cards.

📊 PSA Population & Value

• PSA 8 Population: 170
• PSA 9+ Population: 235
• Recent PSA 8 Sales: ~$600
• Trend: Becoming harder to find in clean condition

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

The Campeon #62 is a prime secondary rookie for collectors priced out of the grail-level Mega Cracks #71-BIS. It has all the hallmarks of an investable card: rookie-year release, regional scarcity, and an affordable entry point with room to grow. As interest in Messi’s full rookie card lineup continues to build, both Campio and Campeon versions of #62 are becoming essential pickups.

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7. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campeon Facsimile Autograph Rookie #89

“A Unique Facsimile Messi Rookie That Still Turns Heads”

Overview

This Messi rookie from the 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Historic Collection often confuses new collectors — it appears to be an autograph card, but the signature is actually a facsimile (a printed replica) and not a true hand-signed auto. The card even features the word “Autógrafo” along the side, adding to the confusion.

Despite the printed signature, this card is absolutely considered a legitimate Messi rookie and is gaining popularity due to its standout design and novelty factor.

👉 Search 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Autografo Messi Rookie on eBay

📊 PSA Population & Market Snapshot

• PSA 8 Sales: $500+
• PSA 9 Sales: $1,000+
• Raw Sales: $300–$380 depending on condition
• Trend: Rising visibility and demand

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

Though not autographed, this is still one of the most visually unique Messi rookie cards available — and it’s getting more attention as collectors build out full 2004 rookie runs. With limited availability in high grades and growing appeal across international markets, this card is a strong value play for both collectors and investors.

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8. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Barca-Campio Facsimile Autograph Rookie #89

Overview

This Lionel Messi rookie is the Catalan-language variation of the Panini Mega Cracks Historic Collection Autógrafo #89. At first glance, it appears nearly identical to the Spanish “Campeon” version, but you’ll notice “Campio” in small text at the top left corner of the FC Barcelona logo — a key regional distinction.

🔍 Market Snapshot

• PSA 8 Value Range: $450 – $600
• Condition Sensitivity: Tough to grade due to surface and centering issues
• Growing Interest: Both Campio and Campeon versions continue to rise in popularity

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

With a PSA 8 population of just 152 copies and only 175 graded higher, the Campio version of Messi’s #89 facsimile rookie is the scarcer of the two. While resale values are fairly close between the versions, the lower pop and rising collector awareness of regional differences could push Campio prices higher over time.

This card is a must-have for anyone building a comprehensive Messi rookie portfolio — and one of the more affordable entry points into his 2004 Panini catalog.

🔎 PSA Population Comparison: Campeon vs. Campio (#89 Autógrafo)

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Grade	Campeon (Spanish)	Campio (Catalan)
PSA 10	192	51
PSA 9	285	124
PSA 8	272	152
PSA 7	162	146
Total	1,315	886

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9. 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Rookie #617

“A Solid Messi Rookie Alternative with Strong Market Momentum”

Overview

The 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga #617 is another true Lionel Messi rookie card — and one that continues to gain traction as collectors look for quality alternatives to his more expensive Panini Mega Cracks releases. Issued in Spain as part of the Mundi Cromo Liga set, this card is fully licensed and features a classic early-career image of Messi.

👉 Search 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Messi Rookie on eBay

📊 PSA Population & Market Snapshot

• PSA 8 Population: 410
• Total PSA Graded: ~1,300
• Graded Higher than PSA 8: Fewer than 350
• PSA 8 Value (Pre-Miami): ~$400
• Recent PSA 8 Sales: ~$900 (as of recent eBay auctions)

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

This card has historically flown under the radar compared to Messi’s Panini issues, but that’s changing fast. As his Mega Cracks rookies have skyrocketed in price, collectors gravitate toward affordable, authentic alternatives like the Mundi Cromo. With a PSA 8 population at around 400 and rising demand, this card offers real upside — especially for investors seeking Messi rookies with room to grow.

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10. 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Dual Player Rookie (Foil & Base Versions) #195

Overview

This 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Messi rookie stands out for its unique dual-player layout — featuring two players on both the front and back, with Lionel Messi included among them. It’s available in both a standard base version and a foil (holo-style) variation, each offering collectors an affordable entry into Messi’s 2004 rookie year.

👉 Search 2004 Mundi Cromo Messi Dual Player Foil Rookie on eBay

✨ Foil vs. Base

The foil version has a noticeable shine and holographic-like finish, giving it added visual appeal. Despite this, both versions have a similar PSA population, making the foil version a potentially undervalued gem for collectors who prefer flashier aesthetics or lower-graded competition.

📊 PSA Population & Market Snapshot

• Estimated PSA Population (Each Version): ~210
• Recent PSA 8 Foil Sale: Under $400
• Recent PSA 8 Base Sale: $300
• Current Market Status: Affordable and underappreciated in the Messi rookie landscape

💡 Collector & Investment Insight

With most Messi rookies seeing explosive price growth, this dual-player card remains one of the most affordable 2004 Messi issues — and one of the few with a foil variation. Its low graded population and visual appeal offer legit long-term upside for collectors and investors looking to diversify beyond the standard Mega Cracks or Panini stickers. As awareness grows, so will demand.

🥇 What Is the Most Valuable Lionel Messi Rookie Card?

The 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS is widely regarded as the most valuable Lionel Messi rookie card. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the card sold for $266,000 at auction in June 2023. The record high for this card remains a $336,000 sale in 2021.

Only 19 PSA 10s exist, making it extremely scarce in top condition. Its rarity, combined with Messi’s legendary career, makes this the holy grail for Messi collectors.

What Is the Best Messi Rookie Card to Invest In?

While the PSA 10 Mega Cracks #71-BIS is priced out for most collectors, there are several other Messi rookies with strong investment potential:

✅ 2004 Panini Mega Cracks #71-BIS (Lower Grades)

• PSA 7 copies sell for $3,000–$4,000
• Only ~100 graded PSA 7 by PSA
• Considered the “true” Messi rookie

✅ 2004 Panini Stickers Colecciones Este

• PSA 10 copies have sold for $50,000+
• Only 167 total graded by PSA
• PSA 6 copies sometimes sell under $1,000

This sticker is a great entry point for investors. Despite sticker cards getting less love from some traditional collectors, Messi’s Este sticker is a recognized and respected rookie internationally — and demand continues to rise.

What About Autographed Messi Rookie Cards?

There were no pack-issued autograph rookie cards for Lionel Messi released in 2004. However, if you can find a true rookie card that’s been signed by Messi (and authenticated), it’s a highly desirable item — especially in today’s market. These are often one-of-ones or limited private signings and should be approached with caution and proper authentication.

👤 Who Is Lionel Messi?

Lionel “Leo” Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, and showed world-class potential at an early age. His professional career began when FC Barcelona recruited him to join La Masia, their youth academy, and by 17, he was playing with the club’s senior team.

From there, Messi’s career skyrocketed:

• Over 700 goals for Barcelona
• Multiple Ballon d’Or awards
• Countless La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey titles
• Led Argentina to Copa América victory and finally the 2022 World Cup championship

While Messi spent most of his legendary career with Barcelona, his move to Inter Miami in the MLS in 2023 marked a new chapter. His presence in the U.S. has reignited interest in soccer and drawn new eyes — and new collectors — to his cards and legacy.

Whether you view him as the GOAT or simply one of the most talented players ever, Lionel Messi’s legacy is secure, and his rookie cards are some of the most desirable in the hobby.

Lionel Messi Cards For Sale on eBay