The inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 kicked off with a battle between France and Mexico at Estadio Pocitos, with a match between the United States and Belgium beginning across town the same afternoon. Lucien Laurent scored the first goal in World Cup history for France, beating the Mexican ‘keeper Oscar Bonfiglio in the 19th minute of the game. France would go on to dominate the match in a 4-1 victory, holding El Tri scoreless until Juan Carreno scored a consolation goal in the 70th minute. Marcel Langiller grabbed France’s second goal in the 40th minute, while Andre Maschinot scored a brace with tallies in the 43rd and 87th minutes. Unfortunately for France, this was the peak of their World Cup experience as a pair of 1-0 losses to Argentina and Chile saw Les Bleus bounced from the tournament in the Group Stage.

Offered in this lot is the ball used during the France and Mexico game to open the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Montevideo. This ball is the Argentinian-style 12-paneled ball, differing from the Uruguayan “T-model” ball used during several other games in the tournament. The tournament final between Uruguay and Argentina was contested with both balls, swapping the Argentinian model for the Uruguayan model during halftime of Uruguay’s eventual 4-2 win. The dark brown sphere comes with a French Christofle pedestal that measures approximately 13 inches tall. Etched on the 9-inch diameter base of the pedestal is “Cuope[sic] Du Monde 1930” and “Francia 4 Mexico 1 / FIFA Match Ball”. A raised France Football Federation (FFF) crest is located on the base. This historic soccer ball would be the crown jewel of any soccer memorabilia collection! This item comes with a LOA confirming it is part of the Rony Almeida Soccer Collection.

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