FC Barcelona 2007-2008 Home Shirt - Messi #19 (S)

The blue and garnet have kept their depth, and the commemorative crest is intact, gold thread included. Two things to know: light cracking on the letters of the Unicef sponsor (photos 6 and 7) and a little pilling on the lower blue stripe, barely visible (photo 8). Nothing that affects wear, hence the 8.5.

This S measures 48 x 70 cm. Compare with the flat measurements below, or check my size guide.

Flat measurements

Lay a shirt that fits you well flat, measure it the same way and compare.

The key facts about this piece

The Unicef sponsor shows fine cracking along the edges of the letters, typical of prints from this era (photos 6 and 7). Some discreet pilling at the bottom of the central blue stripe (photo 8). The rest of the shirt is clean, with no stains or snags.

✦ Lifetime authenticity guarantee

Piece checked by hand in my authentication workshop. If a piece bought from me ever turned out not to be authentic, I refund it in full. A guarantee with no expiry: only original pieces, never modern re-editions.

• Label and product code: 237741-655, size S and barcode on the inner Nike label (photo 4)
• Commemorative crest: FCB badge framed by a laurel wreath, CAMP NOU and 1957-2007 embroidered in gold thread (photo 3)
• Weave: Nike Fit honeycomb knit, even across the whole body (photo 8)
• Cut and finish: V-neck with the words “més que un club”, Catalan flag below the nape, gold trim on sleeves and hem (photos 1 and 2)

Barça 2007-2008, young Messi and Camp Nou's half-century

Camp Nou opened on 24 September 1957. For its 50th birthday, the club swapped its usual crest for a commemorative version framed with laurels, worn throughout the 2007-2008 season.

A sponsor in reverse. Since 2006, Unicef has appeared on Barça's chest: the club pays a contribution to the organisation, not the other way round.

19 before 10. Messi still wears number 19. Runner-up in the 2007 Ballon d'Or, he only takes the 10 in summer 2008, after Ronaldinho leaves.

Despite Thierry Henry's arrival, Frank Rijkaard's last season ends without a trophy: third in La Liga and a Champions League semi-final exit against Manchester United. Pep Guardiola takes over in summer 2008.

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