Topps Affirms Authenticity of Messi Autographs
During an interview at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, IL, Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, confirmed that Topps still guarantees the authenticity of Lionel Messi autographs on their trading cards. He noted that if the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) does not authenticate these cards during grading, Topps, which is owned by Fanatics, will issue replacements.
Addressing Public Concerns
This statement is the first public response from the sports card giant regarding the ongoing issues, as PSA has recently declined to authenticate several Messi autograph cards sourced from Topps products.
Commitment to Collectors
“We stand by the authenticity of the autograph,” Mahan stated, acknowledging the challenges collectors face if PSA refuses to grade the cards. “If PSA won’t grade it, then come to us, and we’ll handle it accordingly.” He emphasized their dedication to ensuring a positive collecting experience.
Authentication Issues Persist
Over recent months, PSA has not authenticated autographed Messi cards from various Topps sets, including the 2022-23 Topps Dynasty UEFA Champions League and the 2024 Topps Chrome MLS Series.
Explanation from PSA
When asked about the situation, PSA President Ryan Hoge indicated that they collaborate closely with Topps on authentication matters. Some collectors have reported that PSA representatives expressed concerns about specific signatures without labeling them as forgeries.
Collector Experiences
For David Rodriguez from Clarksville, IN, the issue became particularly significant after his experience with a Topps Dynasty autographed card. After a four-month wait for a Messi autograph card valued at $4,000, Rodriguez discovered that PSA could not authenticate it. Topps offered to either replace the card or provide an alternative of equal value.
Effective Solutions and Offerings
Mahan mentioned that Topps has streamlined the replacement process for Messi autographed cards, providing collectors with alternatives more efficiently than before. This commitment to resolving issues illustrates Topps’ focus on collector satisfaction.
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(Top photo: David Rodriguez)
