2005-2006 Panini World European Clubs 2005-2006 Lionel Messi Rookie card, Young Stars - 1 Card - Mint (M)

"ULTRA-RARE ROOKIE CARD, PANINI JAPANESE EDITION"
This card is a true collecting legend: it is Lionel Messi’s “Young Stars” card (#YGS5) from the 2005/2006 season of the Panini European Clubs collection.
- It is one of the most sought-after historical treasures from the early years of his career. Its condition is immaculate despite its age.
Lionel Messi rookie card from the 2005–2006 season (code YGS5), belonging to the Young Stars sub-series of the Panini European Clubs collection. As it was printed in the early years of Messi’s career, when he wore the FC Barcelona shirt, it is considered an official Rookie Card (RC).
Sub-series: Young Stars (numbered 5/5), indicating that it is the fifth card in a very select set of European prospects.
It features a spectacular metallic background with holographic flashes. It shows a very young Messi running in Barça’s number 30 shirt.
Rarity in Europe and America
In Europe (Very High Rarity): Unlike standard cards or cards of established legends, finding a Messi rookie card in Europe in good condition is extremely difficult. They were not distributed at newsstands or in shops on the continent, so almost 100% of the copies in circulation come from collectors who imported them directly from Japan.