A polo shirt that breathes football history and was deliberately not washed: The garment is going under the hammer on the charity portal United Charity, worn by German football star Thomas Müller (36) when Lionel Messi (39) warmly embraced him at the World Cup. Fans and collectors can bid on this memorabilia until July 24, 2026. The entire proceeds will go to a cause close to Müller's heart.
At the current status, the highest bid stands at 322 euros, already exceeding the estimated value of 250 euros. The item itself is a beige-colored shirt by Marc O'Polo in size L. The condition? Explicitly unwashed, just as Müller wore it during his TV appearance.
A viral moment on the sidelines
What makes the jersey so desirable is the scene attached to it. Müller is working as a TV expert at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. After the match between Argentina and Austria, superstar Messi approached him on the sidelines - and there was a warm embrace between the two long-time companions. The clip spread rapidly and, according to United Charity, collected more than 1.4 million likes on Instagram alone.
Messi himself had shone once again that evening and decided the match with his goals. Argentina's world star thus once more left his mark on the tournament.
Müller was not standing alone on the sidelines. Together with Jürgen Klopp (59) and host Johannes B. Kerner (61), he analyzes the matches for MagentaTV, and the trio is increasingly becoming a destination for warm greetings. Time and again, players and coaches seek conversation or an embrace after the matches, including England coach Thomas Tuchel (52) and Netherlands star Virgil van Dijk (34).
Proceeds for Müller's passion project
The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Nicolaidis YoungWings Foundation - Thomas Müller's passion project. The organization supports children, adolescents, and young adults who have lost a parent or life partner, and aims to open up new perspectives for them.
The auction is part of a larger World Cup special by United Charity. Other collectibles are being offered there, including memorabilia signed by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Deniz Undav, and Harry Kane.
