Messi’s first Barca contract on a napkin is up for auction now. A Barcelona official used it to solidify their interest in the young player. Though a formal contract came later, this napkin served as the initial commitment. The auction is estimated to fetch between $380,000 and $635,000, but some experts believe it could go much higher.
Imagine this: a crumpled napkin, weathered and seemingly insignificant, holds the key to football history. That’s right! This ordinary-looking piece of paper is Lionel Messi ‘s ticket to greatness at FC Barcelona. It was the first Barca contract that tended to change the life of the legendary player.
At the tender age of 13, Messi was already showing the world his extraordinary talent. But it wasn’t until a chance encounter at a Barcelona tennis club that his fate took a pivotal turn. Sporting director Carles Rexach, along with agents Josep Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, gathered around a table, pen in hand. On that napkin, Rexach penned an agreement, pledging to sign Messi, regardless of any dissenting opinions. However, he became a one-club legend at Barcelona, winning a staggering 10 La Liga titles and scoring a record-breaking 474 goals.
The napkin reads: “In witness hereof, and in order to avoid any problems, Carles Rexach signs this agreement for the signing of the player Lionel Messi, as long as we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”
Fast forward to today, and that very napkin is causing quite a stir in the world of sports memorabilia. Expected to fetch a whopping $635,000, it’s now on display in New York, with bidding set to start on March 18. “The inception of Messi’s career is documented here,” said Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York. “It’s just incredible.”
Experts predict it could go for even more than the estimated price tag. And why wouldn’t it? This napkin symbolizes the humble beginnings of one of footballer’s greatest legends. From his childhood in Rosario to his record-breaking stint at Barcelona, Messi’s journey is etched into every crease of that napkin. Moreover, it’s a piece of history, a reminder of where it all began.
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So, if you’re a die-hard Messi fan or just a lover of sports history, mark your calendars for March 18. This is your chance to own a piece of soccer history, one napkin at a time. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire your journey to greatness.