Well, I’ve always been a huge Messi fan. And like many fans, I got interested in collecting Messi memorabilia. But how the heck do you authenticate it? I decided to find out myself.
First off, I started by doing some basic research. I dug through online forums where other collectors shared their experiences. I read a bunch of posts about what to look for in authentic Messi stuff. One thing that kept coming up was the official hologram stickers. So, I made a mental note to check for those.
Next, I visited some local sports memorabilia shops. I talked to the owners, who were actually pretty helpful. They showed me some real and fake items side by side. I learned how the stitching on real jerseys was more even and the fabric felt better. They also told me that official certificates of authenticity were a big deal.
Then, I bought my first piece of Messi memorabilia from an online auction. It was a signed photo. When it arrived, I scrutinized it closely. I compared the signature with pictures of Messi’s real signature online. I also checked for that hologram sticker I’d heard about. It was there, but I still wasn’t 100% sure.
I decided to take it to a professional authenticator. I found one through a collector’s group. When I brought the photo to them, they used some fancy equipment to examine it. They told me that the ink used in the signature was consistent with what was used during that time period, and the paper was also of the right type. They confirmed it was authentic, and I was stoked!
After that success, I started collecting more. I always followed the steps I’d learned. Check the hologram, compare signatures, look at the quality of the item, and get a certificate if possible. And if I was ever in doubt, I’d take it to a pro.
So, that’s my journey of authenticating Messi memorabilia. It’s not always easy, but with a bit of research and some common – sense steps, you can make sure you’re getting the real deal.