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Fans all wanted a piece of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe memorabilia in the hours after the two soccer stars put on a show in the World Cup final ... with auction officials telling TMZ Sports the demand for their items rivaled that of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Officials from PWCC Marketplace tell us that following the Argentina vs. France tilt on Sunday -- items associated with Messi and Mbappe became the most sought-after in their auction space.

Per a rep from the auction house, searches for Messi rose 345 percent from his normal average. Mbappe queries, meanwhile, rose 363 percent.

"Messi was searched nearly three times more than Michael Jordan, more than four times more than LeBron James, and more than five times more than Tom Brady," PWCC exec Jesse Craig said.

"Messi gilded his career with this victory, and demand for his cards clearly rose in concert with the achievement. The numbers highlight how important an exciting game is for demand in player assets."

According to a rep for the org., Messi items that were sold on Sunday following the thrilling W.C. finale finished with prices that were "an average 93 percent higher than their insurance value." As for Mbappe, the rep said the French star's items "finished an average 17 percent higher."

One of the most notable sales from the two? A 2017 Topps Messi card fetched $14,400.

Before this bundled-up kid in her white beanie was putting out #1 songs on the charts, she was just posing with her snowman, wishing and dreaming of becoming a huge star and growing up in chilly British Columbia, Canada.

After studying musical theater in college, she went on to place 3rd on "Canadian Idol." Years later, she had athletes, hospitals and basically the entire world singing and dancing to her first banger! In 2015, Tom Hanks hilariously lip-synched his way through this singer's track "I Really Like You."

Need one more clue? "Call Me Maybe!"

Justin Bieber is about to get a massive holiday bonus ... and he's already spending some of the money that's seemingly coming his way.

The singer and his wife Hailey splurged on Thursday, going shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills ... on the heels of reports emerging that Justin is nearing a roughly $200 million deal to sell his entire music catalog.

Justin's looking like someone who is about to cash in big-time ... evidenced by the huge grin on his face. The couple chowed down before going shopping, and Justin brought a coffee along with him.

Remember ... the Wall Street Journal is reporting Justin is closing in on a deal to sell his recorded music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for about $200 million.

So the Biebs has money to spend ... just in time for some last-minute holiday shopping.

Megan Thee Stallion's boyfriend, Pardi, is publicly sharing his thoughts about Tory Lanez's shooting trial for the first time ... saying he "wouldn't wish this on anyone."

Pardi took to social media Thursday, as the jury began deliberating on a verdict ... saying, "To any woman especially ones of color that has suffered an injustice I feel for you."

He continued, "When you do find the courage to speak up .. it seems you will be ridiculed," noting people can quickly go from "victim to defendant in the eyes of the public."

He ends the post, "To any one with a daughter sister mother niece or aunt .. I pray for their protection .. I pray for their covering .. I wouldn't wish this on anyone."

As we reported, closing arguments wrapped Thursday, sending the jury to begin deliberations ... the prosecution made one last effort to convince jurors that Tory shot Megan -- pointing to Tory's "bruised ego" as a reason he shot her.

Dallas Cowboys rookie defensive end Sam Williams was involved in a car accident in Texas on Thursday ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to the Plano Police Dept. ... the 23-year-old football player was traveling in a black Corvette in Plano -- a quick drive from the team facility in Frisco -- at around 2:15 p.m., when he struck another vehicle that had attempted a turn in front of oncoming traffic.

Williams and the other driver were not seriously injured, cops say, but both parties were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Cops say there's no indication drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. An investigation is ongoing.

The second-round pick has made a big contribution on the field for Dallas this season ... and has made several big plays for the Cowboys in recent weeks, including a fumble recovery against the Indianapolis Colts.

Williams has 19 total tackles and three sacks in 13 appearances for the Cowboys this season.

The Idaho house where four students were stabbed to death was truly a party house ... new police body cam footage shows officers responding to a big bash at the pad, several weeks before the grisly murders ... meaning lots of people had easy access to the home.

The off-campus house hosted a wild party Sept. 1, and when police showed up for a noise complaint they were told the University of Idaho students who lived there weren't even home ... despite their pad being packed to the gills with revelers.

In the body cam footage, first obtained by the "Truth & Transparency" YouTube channel, Moscow police officers are banging on the front door for several minutes before someone finally answers and tells cops the residents left to hit up another party.

Five students lived in the home ... including three of the four students who were stabbed to death inside the home just two months after the party ... and the two guys who answered the door at the party told police none of them were there, despite the party raging on without them.

The cops eventually get in touch with one of the residents, Madison Mogen, talking to her on the phone. She's heard telling them "sorry" and says she's "frustrated" ... and cops tell her to "just come home."

As you know ... Mogen was found stabbed to death in the home Nov. 13, along with her housemates Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, plus Kernodle's boyfriend Ethan Chapin.

Both sides have rested their case in Tory Lanez's shooting trial ... and now, the singer's fate will be decided by the jury.

The jury started deliberations Thursday, after 9 days of trial. Closing arguments from the prosecution started Wednesday afternoon, with Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott making one last effort to convince jurors that Tory shot Megan Thee Stallion ... saying the case is simply about "a guy who shot a girl, then apologized for it."

Prosecutors also pointed to Tory's "bruised ego" as a reason he shot Meg.

The defense's closing argument went hard on Kelsey Harris, claiming she was the one that pulled the trigger -- while also calling Megan a liar, and claiming Tory was trying to save the day in the aftermath of the shooting.

The defense also tried to make the point that Megan was lying about Tory because they're both artists, and she's looking to stay on top in the music game.

We've also obtained the jury sample verdict form that they'll use in making their decision ... the document has been circulating online as alleged proof to Tory's guilt or innocence -- but the jury has not yet made a decision, the document is only a guide.

The judge is letting the jurors decide if they want to come in on Friday to continue deliberations -- the day before Christmas Eve ... so it's possible deliberations could continue into next week if a verdict isn't reached today.

A woman with a firearm held a Walmart employee hostage at gunpoint inside a Mississippi store ... causing cops to race to the scene and take lethal action.

The nightmare situation played out Wednesday night at a Walmart in Richland, MS ... video from inside the store shows a woman holding a gun in one hand and grabbing hold of a Walmart employee with the other.

As you can see, the Walmart worker looks terrified as she's ordered around the store by the woman with the gun.

Police say they responded to a report of a hostage situation and an officer ended up shooting and killing the suspect. Cops say no one else was hurt in the incident, and now the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is on the case.

It's unclear why the woman took a Walmart employee hostage ... but cops say they were told the suspect walked into the store with a gun and demanded news crews show up.

Franco Harris sat down for what was likely his last interview on Tuesday -- just hours before his untimely death -- where the Steelers legend talked about how happy he was to make it to the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception."

"50 years. C'mon, that's a long time, but I'm still around to enjoy it, so that's good," 72-year-old Harris said with a big smile.

We're told the interview was done around 2:30 PM Eastern on December 20, 2022 ... for "Not Just Football With Cam Heyward," the Steelers star's Omaha Productions produced show.

Of course, Harris' death was announced on Wednesday ... and it shocked the country.

During the chat, Harris and Heyward reminisced about one of the greatest plays in sports history. Franco talked about what he was supposed to do during the play, what he remembers after catching the ball (nothing!), and what transpired after the incredible catch (including when he wound up alone in a restaurant with the entire Raiders team.)

Outwardly, absolutely nothing seemed off about Franco ... and like usual, he appeared to be in a great mood.

Franco was set to be honored this weekend across the NFL ... as the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception is on December 23. Harris' #32 was also set to be retired ... and he was expected to be at Acrisure Stadium.

Christmas in Harlem came early this year thanks to DJ Webstar’s holiday drive … and A$AP Ferg wasn’t afraid to use a lil’ elbow grease to put together the bikes for the toy giveaway!!!

Ferg flexed his skills as a Harlem youth … personally assembling the new bikes he donated to the Dunlevy Milbank Community Center.

The “Plain Jane” rapper even joked about how kids have more tools for their toys these days — but his efforts went to a great cause.

Ferg’s fellow Harlemite rap star Dave East also supported the event sponsored by TIDAL and GAP … as did fashion legend Dapper Dan, who was honored with a Certificate of Recognition from both NYC & Mayor Eric Adams for 20 Years of Service uplifting members of his community.

The Kardashians put on their Santa hats for dozens of moms and their kids in need this holiday season -- paying for them to get dolled up and showered with gifts just in time for Christmas.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kris, Kim and Khloe planned a very special day for the moms and kids being cared for by Alexandria House -- an L.A.-based nonprofit that provides safe, transitional housing for women/children moving on from emergency shelter.

As part of the seasonal treat, we're told the mothers were pampered at the behest of the Kardashians ... receiving makeovers from Glam Squad in the morning, and even getting free professional family portrait sessions from Larissa Block and Diana Henderson they could do with their own kiddos.

Not just that, but our sources tell us the Kardashians also arranged for the 2 shelter homes where the ladies and their kids stay to be decked out with Xmas lights from Christian Smith Lighting. They were all treated to a holiday dinner as well by the evening.

The Kardashians showed face, too, with in-person visits to the AH houses from Kim, Khloe and their daughters, North and True as well as Rob's daughter, Dream. We're told they mingled with volunteer staff and others, then handed out presents to the residents.

We're told the gifts were valued at over $5,000 per family -- with Google Chrome laptops, Skims, Good American gift cards, Kylie Skin and cosmetics, Safely candles, Beats studio buds, Hasbro toys, pajamas from PJ Place, Squishmallows, gift cards for shoes from Vans and Stuart Weitzman, Lego sets and more.

This, our sources say, is on top of a 6-figure donation that was privately made by the Kardashians earlier this week.

Todd Chrisley is soaking up every last bit of life on the outside before he goes away for a long time -- breaking bread with an unofficial family member ahead of guaranteed slop.

The reality TV star was spotted Wednesday grabbing lunch in Nashville with his daughter Savannah's ex-fiancé, Nic Kerdiles ... in what appeared to be just a two-man outing between them ... no other Chrisleys in sight. They dined at a place called Green Hills Grille.

Eyewitnesses tell us they were talking a lot, leaning in close as they chatted in deep, serious conversation.

Makes sense ... there's a lot of heaviness hovering over the family right now -- especially with Todd and his wife, Julie. He's staring at a 12-year sentence ... Julie's facing 7 years.

So, yeah ... nothing to really be cheerful about in the Chrisley household -- but at least Todd seems to be trying to get out and enjoy what's left of his fleeting freedom.

As for the grub ... Todd and Nic ordered a spinach and artichoke dip appetizer -- and each got rib rolls for their main course. Even more evidence TC is counting his days ... Lord knows he won't be eating that well in the joint.

Lottie Moss, Kate's little sister, isn't defending herself on the subject of nepotism -- she's embracing it!

Lottie Moss has no time for social media haters who latched onto articles in Vulture and the NYMag about "nepo babies." Lottie, who herself is now a successful model, shot back with a simple thought ... life isn't fair.

She says "I'm so sick of people blaming nepotism for why they aren't rich and famous or successful - obviously it's not fair that people who come from famous families are getting the leg up because of that but guess what? Life isn't fair — if you put your mind to something you can accomplish anything! So instead of being negative about other peoples success go and try and create your own!"

Of course, she was dragged for daring to state the obvious.

One user wrote, "If you weren't Kate Moss' sister you'd be working the makeup counter at Debenhams. Please instruct your agent/publicist to vet your tweets in the future before you press send."

It's interesting ... Lottie has now deleted her Twitter account.

Just last week, she reflected on her career on IG ... saying she understands she came from a "very privileged position," but added her sister didn't give her a leg up.

Actress Charlbi Dean died of a bacterial infection and other complications ... it was announced 4 months after her sudden passing.

The NYC medical examiner released Dean's cause of death Wednesday night, using the more official term, "Bacterial (Capnocytophaga) Sepsis."

According to the Center For Disease Control, Capnocytophaga is a bacteria spread to people in close contact with dogs and cats, or bitten by the animals. It can cause infections in those with weakened immune systems. Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection, which, if not rapidly treated, can lead to organ failure and death. People was first to report on the cause.

The M.E. tells TMZ ... Dean's death, which was ruled an accident, was complicated by the absence of her spleen, making her more susceptible to the bacterial infection. Fox News reported Dean was involved in a 2009 car crash, leading to the removal of her spleen.

As we reported ... Dean passed away in an NYC hospital after she unexpectedly fell ill back in August. She was only 32 and her career was beginning to take off.

Dean scored a lead role, starring alongside Woody Harrelson in the recently released film, "Triangle of Sadness," which received top honors at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the coveted Palme d'Or award.

NFL Sunday Ticket has a new home -- the league's game broadcast package is moving to YouTube TV starting next season ... and the deal is reportedly worth a whopping $2.5 BILLION a year.

There was an intense bidding war to secure the rights to the popular subscription-based product ... with ESPN, Apple and Amazon pursuing an agreement.

The NFL made the move official on Thursday ... with commissioner Roger Goodell releasing a statement on the decision to go with Google, which owns YouTube TV.

"We're excited to bring NFL Sunday Ticket to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels and usher in a new era of how fans across the United States watch and follow the NFL," the commish said.

"For a number of years we have been focused on increased digital distribution of our games and this partnership is yet another example of us looking towards the future and building the next generation of NFL fans."

Sunday Ticket will now be available as an add-on package with YouTube TV ... as well as standalone à la carte on the streaming platform's Primetime channels.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft -- the chairman of the league's media committee -- also spoke about the deal ... saying, "As the ways fans enjoy NFL football evolve in a changing media landscape, partnerships with innovators like YouTube will ensure that more games are available to more fan."

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky just shook hands with President Joe Biden at the White House, his first trip outside his war-torn country since Vladimir Putin's forces invaded.

Zelensky rolled up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in an SUV Wednesday afternoon, climbing out the passenger door and immediately greeting POTUS and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden before heading inside for a meeting.

Ukraine's president is in Washington D.C. because he's set to address a joint session of Congress later tonight, but first he's talking shop with Biden ... and seriously dressing down.

It's quite a contrast in fashion styles ... Biden is wearing a jacket and tie while Zelensky pulled up in his signature green pullover and some slacks.

Zelensky's addressed Congress before, but not in person. The first time came back in March, not long after the Russian invasion started, and he appeared remotely. This time he was invited to D.C. for an in-person visit by Nancy Pelosi.

Meanwhile, back in the Ukraine ... the war just crossed the 300-day milestone and the U.S. is sending more weapons to arm the Ukrainians, including artillery, missiles, grenade launchers, armored trucks and mortars.