The shirt worn by legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé in the 1958 World Cup final sold for $4.9 million (£3.6 million) this week at a Sotheby's auction in New York.

The record-breaking sale underscores the enduring financial and cultural value of football memorabilia, particularly items linked to Pelé's historic career, which saw him lead Brazil to their first World Cup title as a 17-year-old sensation.

New York Hosts Spain-Argentina World Cup Final

The high-profile auction comes just days before a new World Cup final, featuring Spain and Argentina, is set to take place in New York on Sunday. This marks the first time the tournament's climax will be held in the United States, according to Al Jazeera.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to attend the match, his office confirmed. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is also expected to be present at the event, Al Jazeera reported.

Trump has previously made unsubstantiated claims of a "deep state plot" covering up efforts by China to "undermine" the 2020 election, which he lost. His expected presence adds a political dimension to the highly anticipated sporting event.

Tournament Highlights and Historical Context

The upcoming final at the MetLife Stadium will feature an NFL-style halftime show, promising a spectacle beyond the game itself. Attention has also been drawn to a viral photo of Argentina's captain Lionel Messi alongside Spain's rising teenage star Lamine Yamal.

Football historians often rank Pelé's 1958 triumph, and his subsequent 1970 victory with Brazil at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, among the greatest World Cup finals. These historical achievements provide a rich context for the new chapter about to unfold in New York, a point highlighted by BBC Sport's recent retrospective on memorable tournaments.