Lionel Messi
Forward / Attacking Midfielder (Association Football/Soccer) · Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Topps Match Attax UEFA Champions League #188
Year & Era
2022-23 — Modern Era (Topps Match Attax Era)
Card Type
Insert — Matchwinner (Foil)
Grade
7 (Near Mint estimated)
Rarity
Common Insert; very high print run as a standard 'gaming' card rather than a limited hobby card.
Overall Assessment
A great card for young collectors and Messi fans, but it lacks the scarcity and premium stock required to be a major investment piece.
Condition Grade
7 (Near Mint estimated)
Centering Assessment
Front: Weighted slightly to the left. Back: Not visible but standard for the set.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; visible light surface scratches and minor finger smudges from handling.
Corner Condition
Softening visible on the bottom-right corner and top-left corner; consistent with mass-produced gaming cards.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping and silvering visible on the left edge and top-right corner area.
Print Quality
Standard Topps Match Attax production with gold foil finish and geometric background patterns.
Estimated Value
$2.00 - $10.00 USD (Raw); $30.00 - $50.00 USD (PSA 10)
Comparison to Known Examples
Standard copy; many copies exist in better condition due to the sheer volume of cards produced for the Match Attax game.
Authentication Tips
Check for the official Topps logo and UCL hologram; examine the 'crunch' of the card stock which should be thin but resilient gaming card paper.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection, as the grading cost far exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; it is a genuine mass-market gaming card.
Provenance Notes
Distributed via retail foil packs, starter kits, and multi-packs for the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League season.
Historical Context
Captures Messi's brief tenure with PSG between his legendary Barcelona career and his move to MLS.
Market Trends
Messi cards remain stable but interest has shifted toward his Inter Miami cards or his World Cup 2022 'GOAT' era collectibles.
Investment Potential
Low; this is a low-tier gaming insert rather than a high-end 'Chromes' or 'Prizm' card.
Similar Cards
Cristiano Ronaldo Matchwinner, Erling Haaland Matchwinner from the same 2022-23 set.
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient; avoid direct sunlight to prevent gold foil fading.
Interesting Facts
The 'Matchwinner' insert is a staple of the Topps Match Attax game, designed with gameplay stats (Attack 88, Defense 30) for at-home trading card games.