A Chilean fan who caught the ball that Lionel Messi kicked over the bar in the post-match penalty shootout between Argentina and Chile in the Copa America Centenario might have just hit the jackpot. The fan, identified as Pedro Vasquez, has reportedly received huge bids from people who would like to buy the ball. He claims that the highest big he has received amounts to 27,000 Euros.
The Barcelona star blasts the ball over the bar in the Copa America Centenario final against Chile last month
The 29-year-old forward reacts after missing the penalty
But why is the ball so special and valuable? Lionel Messi announced his retirement moments after the match. The missed penalty kick could as well be the last action he had for La Albiceleste and it is no surprise that the ball has attracted so much attention. Vasquez is getting increasingly worried that the ball might pose a huge threat to his security if its price continues to increase.
He said:
"The truth is that if the ball becomes any more valuable, it would be a risk to have it in my house. I could sell it, it would depend on the circumstances. It is nice to have the ball, but if it keeps rising in price, I'll sell."
However, the ball’s value could decrease if Lionel decides to reconsider his decision to retire from international football. That would mean that La Pulga still has more balls to kick around before he officially decides to retire – for the second time.
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