From Miami to Harare: Scott Sakupwanya Receives Lionel Messi's Match-Worn Jersey!
Date: 09 Dec 2025 | Location: Harare, Zimbabwe | Topic: Football Memorabilia
Businessman and football benefactor Scott Sakupwanya now owns a piece of global football history. In a special delivery in Harare yesterday, Warriors international defender Teenage Hadebe presented Scott with the jersey of arguably the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi.
This gesture comes just days after Messi lifted his maiden league title in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, making the souvenir even more valuable. Hadebe honored his promise to gift the jersey to Sakupwanya in recognition of his immense contribution to developing local football.
A Gift for the Benefactor
Teenage Hadebe, who plays for FC Cincinnati in the MLS, touched down in Harare yesterday with precious cargo. He had promised Sakupwanya the jersey as a token of appreciation.
Why Scott? Sakupwanya has become a central figure in Zimbabwean football, funding clubs and supporting players, earning the respect of foreign-based stars like Hadebe.
This is not just any jersey. It is a match-worn shirt from Lionel Messi during his first MLS championship-winning season. With Messi now holding 44 senior titles—the most in football history—memorabilia associated with his milestones attracts immense value globally.
The Story Behind the Shirt
The jersey was swapped on November 23, 2025.
INTER MIAMI vs. FC CINCINNATI
Nov 23, 2025 | MLS Playoffs
- Score: Inter Miami 4 - 0 FC Cincinnati
- The Moment: Despite the heavy loss for his team, Zimbabwe's Teenage Hadebe approached the Argentine superstar after the whistle. Messi obliged, swapping jerseys with the Warriors star.
Messi Conquers America
Following the match against Hadebe's Cincinnati, Messi went on to win his first MLS Cup with Inter Miami. They defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final, securing the championship title in the United States.
This victory cemented his status in North America, adding the MLS Cup to his vast collection of La Liga, Champions League, and World Cup trophies.
The Zimbabwe Connection
THE GROBBELAAR LINK
History Repeating?
In an interesting twist of history, Messi's final opponents, the Vancouver Whitecaps, have a deep connection to Zimbabwe. They were the first club in North America to host legendary Zimbabwean goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar before his iconic move to Liverpool.
A Historic Souvenir
Scott Sakupwanya now holds a piece of history that links Harare directly to Miami and the greatest player to ever grace the pitch.
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