From the stands to history
A ball that changed the course of football history
In the 108th minute of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final — widely regarded as the greatest football match ever played — Lionel Messi scored to put Argentina ahead 3–2 in extra time against France.
After play resumed, the match continued for several minutes with the same ball. When it went out near the touchline, Paulo Dybala cleared it into the stands. It landed among Argentina supporters at Lusail Stadium, where it was recovered by the brothers. FIFA security personnel cleared them to keep the ball as they exited the stadium.
The ball remains in the possession of the brothers. It contains the original FIFA VAR chip — the same embedded sensor technology used in tournament balls — supporting technical provenance review. A close-up panel photo documents the 01/20 designation, commonly used for kickoff ball numbering in a match set.
Why it matters: this final is cultural memory, not just a match. The ball represents a singular, globally witnessed moment — a tangible artifact that connects the stadium to fans everywhere.
Provenance
Provenance documentation is available for review by journalists, authentication professionals, and institutional partners. For security reasons, exact storage details and handling locations are not publicly disclosed.
Media
The story has been covered by Argentina’s leading sports and national newsrooms. English-language and international media inquiries are welcome.
2026 FIFA World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup three months away, the brothers are seeking to exhibit the ball at FIFA Fan Festivals in host cities across the United States and Mexico — making it accessible to the fans and communities who live for the game.
Exhibition proposals have been submitted to host committees in Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Mexico City. Institutional partnerships, museum loans, and cultural programming collaborations are welcome.
The goal is not commercial. It's about making sure a piece of football history is seen, experienced, and preserved — not locked away.
Get in touch
For media inquiries, exhibition proposals, authentication discussions, or partnership opportunities.