Lionel Messi

Forward / Right Winger; widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time. While the user prompt asked for 'football', this is specifically Association Football (Soccer). Position impacts collectibility as attacking players holding major scoring records command the highest premiums. · FC Barcelona (primary), Argentina National Team, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami CF

Panini Adrenalyn XL FIFA 365 #Not visible on front (standard for this Limited Edition subset)

Lionel Messi

Year & Era

2018-2019 — Modern Chrome/Foil Era

Card Type

Limited Edition Gold Foil Insert / Parallel

Grade

1 (Poor) to 2 (Fair) estimated

Rarity

Relatively low as a 'Limited Edition' insert, but mass-produced for the European and global markets in large quantities.

Overall Assessment

This is a destroyed copy of a mid-tier Messi gaming card. While Messi is the most legendary figure in the sport, the condition of this specific card removes all financial and grading appeal.

Condition Grade

1 (Poor) to 2 (Fair) estimated

Centering Assessment

Front centering appears roughly 60/40 top-to-bottom and 55/45 left-to-right, though the physical damage makes precise measurement difficult.

Surface Condition

Poor. The card exhibits severe surface wrinkling, bubbling, and significant creasing across the player's face and torso, likely due to moisture exposure or heavy play wear.

Corner Condition

Poor. Significant rounding and fraying on all four corners; the top left corner shows heavy delamination of the gold foil layer.

Edge Condition

Poor. Noticable chipping and 'silvering' along the edges where the gold foil has rubbed off, particularly on the right and top edges.

Print Quality

Standard for Adrenalyn XL; the gold foil texture is a hallmark of this specific set's Limited Edition cards.

Estimated Value

$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Due to the catastrophic physical damage, this copy holds negligible market value compared to a Mint version which might sell for $20-$40.

Comparison to Known Examples

This copy is in significantly worse condition than average hobby examples, which are usually preserved in binders or sleeves.

Authentication Tips

Check for the specific 'pebble' texture on the gold foil background and the high-gloss finish on the player image. Given the low value in this condition, counterfeiting is highly unlikely.

Grading Recommendation

Not recommended. The cost of shipping and grading ($20+) would significantly exceed the value of the card.

Red Flags

Serious physical degradation including moisture damage which has caused the foil to warp and lift from the cardboard substrate.

Provenance Notes

Distributed as 'Gift Cards' inside Panini soccer magazines and starter packs throughout Europe and South America.

Historical Context

From the 2018-19 season where Messi won his 10th La Liga title and 6th Ballon d'Or.

Market Trends

Messi cards remain the gold standard for soccer collectors, but the market has shifted heavily toward 'true' trading cards (Topps Chrome/Panini Prizm) over gaming cards like Adrenalyn XL.

Investment Potential

None. The severe damage makes this a 'filler' copy for a child's collection rather than an investable asset.

Similar Cards

2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Messi, 2014 Panini Adrenalyn XL Messi Limited Edition, 2019 Topps Chrome UEFA Messi.

Display & Preservation

Should be placed in a PVC-free penny sleeve and a top loader to prevent further delamination of the foil.

Interesting Facts

Adrenalyn XL cards are part of a Trading Card Game (TCG) meant to be played with, which explains why many copies found in the wild are in poor condition.

Scanned on 4/28/2026
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