Messi Farewell Pack hits 664,325, a Topps NOW record

Reportedly, the Lionel Messi-2026 Argentina Topps Now-Final Farewell Pack wrapped up its sales window at a print run of 664,325, the highest of any release in Topps NOW history.

Reaching that figure also triggered the first 1/1 White OpalFractor Chrome card ever offered by the Topps NOW program. Packs begin shipping in November, though an exact date has not been announced.

How the record stacks up

The previous Topps NOW record belonged to Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 milestone card, at 653,737.

The Olympic basketball card showing LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant came in at 588,030.

The earlier Messi card announcing his Argentina retirement hit 335,283, which ranks fourth on the all-time Topps NOW print-run list. Fifth place goes to the Jack Hughes Olympic goal card, at 332,447.

Among non-sports releases, a card marking the Pope Leo XIV election sold 133,535 copies, the best mark ever for a non-sports Topps NOW card.

What is in the pack

Every Final Farewell Pack contains two cards. One is a Farewell base card, parallel, or autograph, and the other is a variation or short print.

Collectors could chase four different 1/1 Messi autographs. One of them honors his record number of appearances for Argentina.

The Chrome milestone ladder

Topps NOW Chrome parallels unlock at set print-run thresholds:

• 50,000: Chrome parallels numbered to 99 and 50
• 100,000: additional parallels and a 1/1 Superfractor
• 250,000: Opal Chrome parallels
• 500,000: a single 1/1 White OpalFractor Chrome card

The Final Farewell Pack passed the 500,000 mark by more than 164,000.

Why it matters

Topps NOW is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Clay Luraschi, Topps' Senior Vice President of Product, said the release drew a record number of first-time buyers. He attributed the outcome to Messi's career achievements, his passionate collectors around the world, the rise of international football, and the growing popularity of Topps NOW.

Earlier this year came another high-profile Topps NOW tie-in, when LeBron James teamed up with Topps to announce his move to the Philadelphia 76ers. This record follows that release.

Topps NOW remains an active lane in the company's schedule, with TCGKing also covering a Topps NOW set for Penta's Money in the Bank win.

What is still unknown

The exact shipping date within November and the pack price are not announced yet.

What it means for players and collectors

• Note November as the shipping window; no day is set.
• Each pack has two cards, and four different 1/1 Messi autographs are in the chase.
• The 1/1 White OpalFractor Chrome is a first for Topps NOW.