“He gave it to me for it” – Lionel Messi’s shirt ended up with former England star Jack Wilshere thanks to a teammate’s help.
The best assist Jack Wilshere ever got came from a former teammate who helped him get Lionel Messi’s shirt because Jack was too shy to ask the Barcelona legend himself.
Back in 2011, Wilshere had one of the best individual games in Champions League history, leading Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Barcelona. The young midfielder looked like he belonged at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy as he outplayed legends like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets — some of the greatest midfielders ever.
Now managing Luton Town in League One, Wilshere gets tagged in highlight clips every anniversary, but he doesn’t like to rewatch the game. Instead, he keeps two special jerseys from that match that remind him of his career highlight.
He got both Xavi’s and Messi’s shirts, but getting Messi’s was tricky. As a shy teenager, Jack was nervous to ask, so his captain Cesc Fabregas stepped in and got it for him. Fabregas later joined Barcelona himself. Today, Wilshere’s 14-year-old son Archie, who loves football, carefully guards that famous No.10 shirt.
“I have loads of shirts—from Premier League players to Messi’s from that game,” Wilshere told SPORTbible in a chat before hosting ‘Showdown: 7s v 10s’ with Landon Donovan on eBay Live. “Archie knows so much about football, and he’s got my Messi shirt in his room right now. But I’ll be taking it back soon!
“After the game, I wanted a lot of shirts but focused on Xavi and Messi, knowing everyone wants Messi’s. I got Xavi’s but couldn’t bring myself to ask Messi. I said to Cesc, ‘I want Messi’s shirt,’ and he told me to ask him, but I was too scared!
“So Cesc went and asked for me and gave me a hard time about it later! But I got it, and that’s what matters.”
Fabregas even teased Wilshere on Twitter for being too scared to ask Messi himself, saying: “@jack_wilshere can’t believe I had to get Messi’s shirt for you. You were MOTM, so next time ask yourself!”
Jack joked back, “You’re the captain, you should look after your players. Thanks, though! Next time I’m going for your mate Iniesta!”
Messi, known as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, often gets asked for his shirt by opponents — especially during big tournaments like the one in North America now.
Wilshere’s likely keeping his special shirt safe, as it’s a reminder of that great game where he outplayed Messi.
On Sunday, Wilshere and former USA and Everton star Landon Donovan will host ‘Showdown: 7s v 10s’ on eBay Live — a fun, interactive debate about football’s two most famous jersey numbers. Fans will see signed shirts from stars like Wayne Rooney, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka.
The debate wouldn’t be complete without Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose rare collectibles will also be featured. There’ll be a live scoreboard to see which side gets the most support, and it might be tricky for Wilshere since he’s worn both numbers himself.
“People always talk about Messi vs. Ronaldo, but I think there are lots more great players,” he said. “I’m excited to debate it with Landon because there are so many styles of players. Most of the greats wore either No.7 or No.10. It should be fun.”
When asked about his favorite piece of memorabilia, Wilshere said, “Besides my England caps, I’d say my 2014 World Cup cap where I wore number seven. Growing up, David Beckham was my hero, so wearing England’s No.7 at a World Cup meant a lot.
“As for shirts, Messi’s is probably my favorite. I also have shirts signed by Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and Frank Lampard—legends I grew up watching and trying to emulate. But Messi’s shirt tops the list because for me, he’s the greatest player ever.”