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The Napkin on which Lionel Messi signed his first-ever contract with Barcelona is set to go on auction
The story of Lionel Messi's meteoric rise from a hopeful young talent to a global football icon often seems like a fairy tale.
Yet, the tale's beginning, inscribed on a napkin, is as humble as it is extraordinary. In December 2000, a 13-year-old Messi's fate with FC Barcelona was sealed not on an official contract but on a piece of restaurant napkin.
This napkin, signed in the presence of Carles Rexach, Barcelona's sporting director at the time, Messi's father Jorge, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, marked the start of an era that would redefine football. According to Reuters, this napkin is set to be auctioned in March by the prestigious auction house Bonhams, with a starting price of £300,000 ($381,000).
More Than Just Paper
What might initially appear as a mere curiosity, the napkin is a symbol of destiny's hand in the making of a football legend. It encapsulates a moment of trust and promise that led to Messi's 20-year stay at Barcelona, during which he became the club's all-time top scorer, making 782 appearances and scoring 674 goals. The napkin's auction isn't just the sale of memorabilia; it's a testament to the dreams that shape our realities and the humble beginnings from which greatness can emerge.
This napkin, as reported, carries an emotional weight far exceeding its physical presence. It represents a pivotal moment not only in Messi's career but in the history of FC Barcelona and football at large. Ian Ehling, head of Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams in New York, described it as one of the most exciting objects he has handled, emphasizing its impact on Messi's life, Barcelona's future, and football fans worldwide.
Reflecting on the Auction of Messi’s memorabilia
The auction of Messi's napkin contract offers a moment for reflection on the unpredictable nature of sports careers. It's a reminder of the serendipitous moments that often go unnoticed but can have monumental implications. As fans, collectors, or simply admirers of the game, the opportunity to own or witness the sale of such an item is to participate in a piece of history that underscores the beauty and unpredictability of football.
Lionel Messi's journey from a 13-year-old prodigy to one of the greatest footballers of all time is a story of talent, determination, and a bit of serendipity. The auction of the napkin on which his first contract with Barcelona was scribbled is not just about the sale of a piece of memorabilia
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