Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona (Non-Lego Custom/Third-Party)
Unknown (Custom/Third-Party) · Custom/Niche Sports (Non-Official)
Football/Soccer Player Collections · Produced approximately 2014-2016 based on the 'Qatar Airways' kit design
Figure ID
Unknown (Custom/Third-Party)
Theme
Custom/Niche Sports (Non-Official)
Year Released
Produced approximately 2014-2016 based on the 'Qatar Airways' kit design
Rarity
Uncommon but non-official. These are mass-produced by third-party companies in China and sold through secondary markets like AliExpress or eBay.
Head
Light flesh tone with printed brown beard and stubble, dark eyebrows, and a slight smirk. Includes a dark brown swept-back hair mold.
Torso
Dark blue and red vertical stripes (Blaugrana). Features the Nike 'Swoosh', FC Barcelona crest, and 'Qatar Airways' sponsor logo. Arms are flesh-toned with blue sleeve printing.
Legs
Dark blue hips and thighs with #10 (standard for Messi) or #11 printing, Barca crest, and Nike logo. Printed socks include red and yellow details at the shins.
Accessories
None visible, though typically sold with a plastic soccer ball or a display base.
Color Scheme
Blue, Red, and Yellow (FC Barcelona primary colors) with light flesh tones.
Printing Details
High-density UV or pad printing covering the front and sides of legs and arms. The detail is higher than standard LEGO but often lacks the same durability against scratching.
Variants
Many third-party variants exist for Messi, including different kits (Home, Away) and different hairstyles corresponding to his real-life appearance changes.
Condition Notes
Common issues include 'stiff joints' from non-LEGO ABS plastic and printing that may peel or fade at the edges of the legs and hips.
Estimated Value
$2 - $10 USD. As a non-official LEGO product, it does not hold significant value for purist collectors, though it has niche appeal for football fans.
Price (New)
$1.50 - $4.00 on international wholesale sites; slightly higher from domestic resellers.
Compatible Sets
None. This was never released in an official LEGO set. Compatible with LEGO bricks for display purposes.
Character Background
Based on Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, during his era at FC Barcelona.
Design Notes
The figure uses a 1:1 replica of the LEGO minifigure mold but includes 'all-over' printing that LEGO rarely employs on standard figures, such as full-circumference arm and leg wraps.
Similar Minifigures
Official DFB Series (German National Team) CMFs, or other third-party players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar JR.
Collectibility
Low for serious LEGO investors but high for casual football memorabilia enthusiasts. It carries no 'official' status.
History
Following the success of LEGO's official Sports theme in the early 2000s, third-party manufacturers filled the void by creating modern superstars that LEGO does not license.
Interesting Facts
Though highly detailed, the 'Qatar Airways' logo usually indicates this was produced during the peak of Barcelona's 'MSN' (Messi-Suarez-Neymar) trio era.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a custom stadium MOC or a shadow box with other football stars.
Modification Potential
Excellent for soccer MOCs (My Own Creations) where high-detail realistic kits are preferred over LEGO's simplified official designs.
Overall Assessment
This is a non-LEGO, third-party 'bootleg' figure. While the detail is impressive for a display piece, it lacks the quality, safety standards, and resale value of genuine LEGO products.