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SportsMessi's signed jersey fetches 23 million pesos at Argentina charity auction
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At the Palermo Agricultural Exhibition in Argentina, a national team jersey signed by Lionel Messi was auctioned for 23 million Argentine pesos (approximately $20,000 USD). The signature was facilitated by Argentine national team coach Pablo Aimar, who has ties to the organizing Mondino family. The starting bid was 500,000 pesos, but fierce competition drove the price up. Livestock businessman Sergio Amuchástegui from Río Cuarto won the jersey, outbidding a rival from Monte Maíz who dropped out at 22 million pesos. All proceeds will go to the Cabre Rugby Team, an inclusive sports project founded in 2021 that helps young people with disabilities integrate into society through rugby. Project leader Salvador Mosso noted the team has already represented Argentina at the 'Mixed Ability' World Cup in Spain. Amuchástegui stated he will keep the jersey and refused offers from collectors, emphasizing the social responsibility of his industry.
Source report
Hupu, July 27 — A signed jersey from Argentine football legend Lionel Messi became the highlight of the recent Palermo Agricultural Exhibition in Argentina, according to La Nacion. The jersey was sold for 23 million Argentine pesos (approximately $20,000 USD) during the auction's warm-up session, with all proceeds going to support a charitable rugby project for people with disabilities.
A Heartwarming Story Behind the Jersey
The signature was personally arranged by Pablo Aimar, a member of the Argentine national team coaching staff and former star. Aimar has a close personal relationship with the Mondino family, who organized the auction. After learning that a local charity project needed support, he invited Messi to sign the jersey to lend a helping hand.
Auction Highlights
The auction took place last Tuesday. The starting bid was set at 500,000 pesos, but the atmosphere quickly intensified as bidders competed not only for the prized collectible but also to support the charitable cause.
After multiple rounds of fierce competition, livestock businessman Sergio Amuchástegui from Río Cuarto secured the jersey for 23 million pesos. Reports indicate the bidding was intense, with another buyer from Monte Maíz driving the price up to 22 million pesos before reluctantly withdrawing.
Beneficiary: Cabre Rugby Team
The substantial charitable funds will be donated to the Cabre Rugby Team, an inclusive sports project established in 2021. The initiative aims to help young people with disabilities integrate into society through rugby.
Project leader Salvador Mosso stated that the children not only train locally but have also previously represented Argentina at the "Mixed Ability" World Cup in Spain. The funding will significantly improve the team's training conditions and support their future tour matches.
Buyer's Reaction
In a post-auction interview, Amuchástegui said he was unaware of the jersey auction beforehand but was deeply moved after hearing the stories of the disabled children's struggles on site.
"Messi is the greatest athlete in history, and owning his signed jersey is everyone's dream. But more importantly, this money can be donated to such a noble cause," Amuchástegui revealed.
He added that after the auction, many collectors contacted him offering high prices to resell the jersey, but he refused them all. "I will keep this jersey for myself; it represents the social responsibility of our industry."
About the Event
The Palermo Agricultural Exhibition is one of Argentina's most important annual economic events. Argentine President Javier Milei also plans to attend the official opening ceremony.
Source: La Nacion
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虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
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Messi's Signed Jersey Fetches 23 Million Pesos at Charity Auction for Disabled Rugby Team