Chase the GOAT During the World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Topps RIPPED is taking a look at some of the brand’s best cards from the world’s best players.
There’s no better place to start than with the GOAT himself, Lionel Messi. One of the most beloved figures in the history of sport, Messi’s longevity continues to amaze, and he enters this year’s tournament as the captain and talisman of the defending World Cup Champions. In what is likely to be his last-ever World Cup, can Messi go out on top?
World Cup fever is here, and we’re kicking things off by taking a look at some of Lionel Messi’s best Topps cards.
Top Lionel Messi Topps cards include the Messi-Maradona dual card, the 2018 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League SuperFractor, a 2022–23 Topps Dynasty UCL patch autograph, his Inter Miami Chrome debut card, 2006 Match Attax, and the Lionel Messi–Lamine Yamal Topps NOW® release celebrating two Barcelona generations.
Collect the Greatest Topps Lionel Messi Cards
The Start of Messi & Topps: 2006 Match Attax
Player info
• messi debuted for argentina at 18 years old in 2005
Card info
• the first-ever topps messi card as part of the legendary match attax brand
what they said
• “It seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life, his movement was so natural.” – Henk Ten Cate, Barcelona assistant coach on the day of Messi’s first-team debut
Two Legends, One Card: Chase Messi and Maradona
Player info
• maradona and messi are considered the two greatest argentinian players in the history of soccer
Card info
• 2023 card is one of only two topps cards to feature both legends together
what they said
• “I can’t remember having seen messi play badly.” – Diego Maradona
Messi Shines in 2018 Topps Chrome UCL
Player info
• messi has scored 116 goals in 198 appearances for argentina
Card info
• this card sold for over $100,000 on may 23, 2025 through fanatics collect
What they said
• “I never think about the play or visualize anything. I do what comes to me at that moment. Instinct. It has always been that way.” – messi on his playing style
One of a Kind: Messi on Top of the World at Barcelona
Player info
• messi scored 474 goals in 520 La Liga appearances for barcelona
Card info
• one-of-a-kind patch auto card from incredible 2022-23 topps dynasty ucl set
What they said
• “I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I’m not enjoying it, I will leave football.” – Lionel Messi
MLS Madness: Messi Takes Miami
Player info
• eight-time ballon d’or winner (an all-time record)
Card info
• messi’s chrome debut as a member of inter miami
What they said
• “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality.” – messi on playing in miami
The Passing of the Torch: Messi and Lamine Yamal
Player info
• messi won la liga 10 times with barcelona
• yamal has won three la liga titles with barcelona
Card info
• unique card bridging the generations in barcelona had an incredible print run of 76,476
what they said
• “he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future.” – messi on yamal
Topps Lionel Messi Card FAQs
- Which Topps Lionel Messi cards are desired most by collectors?
- Highlights include Messi’s 2006 Match Attax card, the 2023 Argentina World Champions Messi-Maradona card, the 2018 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League SuperFractor, a 2022–23 Topps Dynasty UEFA Champions League patch autograph, Messi’s Inter Miami Chrome debut card, and the Messi-Lamine Yamal FC Barcelona Topps NOW® card.
- What is the highest sale for a Lionel Messi card listed here?
- The 2018 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League SuperFractor is one of the highest-selling cards featured, with an example going for more than $100,000 through Fanatics Collect.
- Why is the Messi and Maradona card significant?
- The card brings together Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, widely regarded as the two greatest Argentine players in soccer history, on one collectible card.
- Why is the Messi and Lamine Yamal card popular with collectors?
- The card symbolizes the passing of the torch between generations at FC Barcelona and generated a remarkable print run of 76,476, making it one of the most notable Topps NOW® releases of recent years.
Key Facts
- Featured Player: Lionel Messi
- Top Sale: 2018 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League SuperFractor sold for more than $100,000
- Dual Legend Card: 2023 Argentina World Champions card featuring both Messi and Diego Maradona
- Premium Chase: 2022–23 Topps Dynasty UCL patch autograph is a one-of-one Messi collectible
- MLS Milestone: Featured card marks Messi’s Chrome debut with Inter Miami CF
- Next Generation: Messi’s Topps NOW® card with Lamine Yamal recorded a print run of 76,476
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