Lionel Messi - Argentina Custom Minifigure
Custom (Non-Official LEGO) · Custom / Unofficial (Sports)
International Football / World Cup Stars · circa 2022-2023 (Post-World Cup Qatar)
Figure ID
Custom (Non-Official LEGO)
Theme
Custom / Unofficial (Sports)
Year Released
circa 2022-2023 (Post-World Cup Qatar)
Rarity
Common for custom market; Not a production rarity. Accessibility depends on specific third-party vendors such as Citizen Brick, Brick Warriors, or similar UV-printing companies.
Head
Light flesh tone with printed brown beard and hair details. Topped with a dark brown spiky hairpiece (similar to part 92081/15500). Non-standard face print typical of third-party artists.
Torso
Custom UV-printed white torso featuring the iconic light blue and white vertical stripes of the Argentina National Team. Includes the number 10, the AFA (Argentine Football Association) crest with stars, and printed short sleeves on light flesh arms.
Legs
Custom printed black shorts with white and blue accents, featuring the number 10 and AFA crest on the thighs. Lower legs include printed white socks with black stripes.
Accessories
None pictured, though often sold with a custom football (soccer ball) accessory.
Color Scheme
Sky Blue, White, Black, and Light Flesh. Accents include gold for the championship stars and dark brown for hair/facial hair.
Printing Details
High-detail UV digital printing. Unlike official LEGO pad printing, this features textured, wrap-around detail on the legs and arms which LEGO rarely performs. The alignment on the hip-to-leg transition is high quality for a custom.
Variants
Numerous versions exist by different customizers (e.g., versions featuring the 2014 kit, versions with 3 stars vs 2 stars, and club versions for Barcelona or Inter Miami).
Condition Notes
UV prints are more susceptible to scratching and 'chipping' than official LEGO pad prints. Avoid heavy play; check for alignment of the torso stripes with the leg prints.
Estimated Value
$15.00 - $30.00 USD. Value is based strictly on the retail price of the customizer rather than collectible appreciation.
Price (New)
Usually retails for approximately $25.00 as a standalone custom figure.
Compatible Sets
Not applicable; not included in official sets. Highly compatible with LEGO Sports/Soccer theme stadiums or City-themed builds.
Character Background
Lionel Messi is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. This figure depicts him in the Argentina kit, specifically celebrating his legendary career and 2022 World Cup victory.
Design Notes
Uses genuine LEGO parts as a canvas for high-resolution third-party digital printing. Notable for 360-degree leg printing which is a hallmark of premium custom minifigures.
Similar Minifigures
LEGO 71014 DFB German Football Team series, official LEGO Adidas promotional figures, and custom Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappé figures.
Collectibility
High for sports fans and 'purist' custom collectors, but zero value for 'Official Only' LEGO investors as it is not a LEGO-produced graphic.
History
Follows the trend of third-party companies filling the void left by LEGO's discontinuation of the 'Sports' theme in the mid-2000s.
Interesting Facts
The three stars on the crest represent Argentina's World Cup titles (1978, 1986, 2022). This specific design became highly popular after the 2022 final.
Display Suggestions
Display in a tiered stadium MOC or a single acrylic UV-protected case to prevent the custom ink from fading or scratching.
Modification Potential
The hairpiece can be swapped for a CAP piece; the head can be reused for other bearded 'light flesh' characters.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality boutique custom. It captures the likeness of Messi better than official LEGO designs often do, though its status as an unofficial product excludes it from official price guides.