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The napkin which started Lionel Messi's career at Barcelona was sold at an auction for nearly £1 million
The napkin on which Barcelona pledged to sign a young Lionel Messi has been sold for over £700,000, approximately ₦1.3 billion. This small, piece of football history, which marked the start of Messi's legendary career with Barcelona, has fetched a staggering amount at a recent auction.
The napkin that changed football history
Back in 2000, a 13-year-old Lionel Messi was on trial with Barcelona, but the process of securing a formal contract was stalling, leading to frustration for his father, Jorge Messi, who threatened to take his son to other clubs.
Sensing the urgency, Carles Rexach, then the sporting director of Barcelona, took an unconventional step. He scribbled the terms of Messi's contract on a 16.5cm by 16.5cm napkin at the Pompeia tennis club. This impromptu agreement, made in the presence of transfer advisor Josep Minguella and Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, was a pivotal moment. The deal was later ratified by Barca president Joan Gaspart, officially setting the stage for Messi's illustrious career.
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The napkin’s text reads, "In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona's sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon."
Messi napkin sells at auction
Bonhams, a renowned auction house, started the bidding for this historic piece at £300,000. However, due to its immense significance in the world of football, the final bid soared to over £700,000.
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Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, noted the extraordinary nature of the item, saying, "Since the sale was first announced, it captured international attention, and fans all over the world have anticipated this day. What a wonderful result for one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi's career."
After the now-historic signing, Messi went on to star for Barcelona, becoming the greatest player in the club’s history. The Argentine forward played 778 times for the Catalan club, scoring an incredible 672 goals, while winning 10 LaLiga titles and four UEFA Champions League honours.
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