So… Does Messi Actually Sign His Own Cards?

Autographed trading cards are a cornerstone of the modern sports card market, especially when they feature global icons like Lionel Messi. However, a recent case involving a 2021–22 Topps Finest Flashbacks UEFA Champions League autograph card has raised serious concerns over the authenticity of some signed cards — even those marked as “Topps Certified Autograph Issue.”

The controversy began when a collector submitted a Messi autograph card to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), expecting a standard numeric grade. The card, serial-numbered to just 10 copies and issued with an autograph sticker, initially received a surprising “authentic” designation instead of a traditional grade. After resubmission, PSA ultimately declined to authenticate the signature, reportedly labelling it as non-genuine.

This sparked speculation within the collecting community about whether some Messi autograph stickers used on Topps or Panini cards may have been signed by someone other than the player — with unsubstantiated online rumours even suggesting a relative may have signed some items. Topps, now owned by Fanatics, offered to reissue the card with a new sticker autograph and have it regraded by PSA, though they did not officially confirm the reason for the reprint.

The case has highlighted growing concerns over the process of signature authentication in the hobby. While Topps and Panini state that autographs are witnessed by representatives, the volume of autographs required for modern releases — sometimes thousands per session — has led some industry experts to question the consistency and oversight of the process, particularly when stickers are signed separately from the cards.

PSA, for its part, has a dedicated team and uses its DNA authentication process, which includes ink analysis, signature structure comparisons, and advanced tools like video spectral comparators. Despite that, PSA has not publicly confirmed how often autograph authenticity has been questioned for Messi or other athletes on certified cards.

This isn’t the first time Messi autographs have drawn scrutiny. In 2022, another Messi card from the Panini Immaculate collection was also deemed “inconclusive” for autograph grading by PSA, resulting in no grade being issued. Meanwhile, other third-party authenticators and memorabilia companies, such as Icons in the UK, maintain they have worked closely with Messi for years and report consistent signing habits, though it’s important to note that memorabilia and trading card signings are often contracted separately.

From a legal standpoint, any issues of inauthentic autographs could open manufacturers up to civil or even criminal liability, particularly if fraudulent intent can be proven. However, in this case, no formal finding of fraud has been made. According to legal experts, if a manufacturer like Topps were to be found liable for releasing inauthentic signed cards, they could potentially pursue action against those responsible for signing or verifying the autographs under contract.

A Plea to Topps: The Standard Must Be Higher

Topps has long been viewed as the gold standard in sports trading cards. Their history, legacy and branding carry a weight that few other companies can match. Collectors around the world trust the Topps “Certified Autograph Issue” stamp because of the brand behind it — it signals credibility, value and authenticity.

Which is exactly why this situation, if true, is not good enough.

If a sticker auto of arguably the most recognisable footballer in the world, on a serial-numbered card, cannot be trusted to be genuine, then what does that mean for the rest of the certified autos in circulation? The idea that a third-party authenticator could reject a Topps-certified Messi autograph should be a wake-up call. Mistakes happen, yes. But for Topps, the expectation must be perfection — or at the very least, transparency and accountability when perfection is missed.

Collectors, especially younger fans entering the hobby, deserve confidence in the products they invest in. Topps sits at the top of the game — and with that position comes the responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards across every single autograph it certifies. That trust is the foundation of the modern card market.

As the market for signed trading cards continues to grow, especially around icons like Messi, LeBron and Mahomes, collectors should stay informed and vigilant. Certified autographs add tremendous value, but they also demand trust in both the signature and the certification process behind it. When in doubt, third-party grading and DNA authentication can offer additional layers of reassurance.

This Messi card situation may be an isolated case, but it’s a reminder that the hobby is built on trust — and that trust must be protected, not assumed.