Lionel Messi has broken countless records throughout his superlative football career, but one astonishing statistic away from the pitch has left football fans equally stunned. Every time the Argentine captain steps onto the field for his national team, sportswear giant Adidas reportedly prepares around 200 jerseys bearing Messi's name, highlighting the incredible demand surrounding the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
As Argentina prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, Messi stands on the brink of creating yet another piece of football history. Victory would see La Albiceleste become only the third nation to successfully defend a men's World Cup title after Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.
Should Argentina triumph, Messi would also add another World Cup winners' medal to his collection, strengthening his legacy as one of the greatest footballers the game has ever seen.
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Emiliano Martinez reveals the reason behind Messi's jersey demand
While many supporters dream of owning an authentic Lionel Messi Argentina shirt, it appears that even rival players, coaching staff and officials are no different.
Speaking to former England goalkeeper Ben Foster on Prime Video, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed the staggering number of Messi jerseys produced for every international fixture.
"Every time I go for the national team, 'Please give me a Messi shirt.' They all just, you know, have Messi shirts."
Curious about the extraordinary demand, Martinez said he once asked Argentina's kit manager exactly how many Lionel Messi jerseys were prepared for each match.
"He said, 'Mate, we do 200 or 300 shirts per game for Messi.'"
The Aston Villa goalkeeper further explained that the total can increase significantly during international windows involving multiple matches.
"Because he knows sponsorships, players, staff, and even the managers. Everyone needs or wants a Messi shirt."
Why so many Lionel Messi shirts are needed
Unlike club football, where shirt exchanges usually involve only players after the final whistle, international football creates demand from almost everyone associated with the opposing team.
Opposition players often queue up hoping to exchange shirts with Messi, while coaching staff, federation officials, sponsors, and even managers regularly request one as a keepsake from facing arguably the greatest footballer of his generation.
The sheer popularity of the Argentine icon means the kit staff must prepare hundreds of extra jerseys before every fixture to ensure there are enough available after the match.
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With Argentina now one win away from defending their FIFA World Cup crown, demand for one of Lionel Messi's match-worn shirts could reach unprecedented levels if he inspires another historic triumph. Should the 39-year-old lift the trophy once again, his final World Cup jerseys may become some of the most sought-after memorabilia in football history.