The iconic napkin that recently fetched nearly $1 million at auction holds great significance in the career of soccer legend Lionel Messi. This seemingly ordinary piece of paper is actually a contract that marked the beginning of Messi’s journey with FC Barcelona, ultimately leading to his illustrious and highly decorated career in the sport.
The winning bid for the napkin amounted to a staggering $965,000, as reported by USA Today. The bidding process commenced on May 8 with an initial bid of £220,000, equivalent to $274,824. The final price paid for this remarkable artifact demonstrates the immense value placed on Messi’s legacy and the importance of this contract in his career.
Back in 2000, when Messi was just 13 years old, he joined Barcelona’s youth soccer club. The napkin contains the signatures of Carles Rexach, the former sporting director at Barcelona, and Messi’s then-agent Horacio Gaggioli. It was Gaggioli who orchestrated Messi’s tryout with Barcelona in September of that year, showcasing the young prodigy’s immense talent.
Gaggioli played a crucial role in preserving this historic document, safeguarding it until its recent auction. The significance of the napkin is further emphasized by its contents. Written in Spanish, it states: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Mr. 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.”
Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams, New York, expressed his excitement about handling such a remarkable item. He acknowledged that while it may seem like a simple paper napkin, it holds immense historical significance. The napkin played a pivotal role in shaping Messi’s life and career, as well as the future of FC Barcelona. It has also brought countless moments of joy and excitement to billions of soccer fans worldwide.
Following his time in Barcelona’s youth setup, Messi progressed through the ranks, playing for the club’s C and B squads before making his senior debut in 2004 at the age of only 17. He went on to achieve incredible success during his tenure with Barcelona, captivating fans with his exceptional skills and contributing to numerous memorable moments on the field.
After bidding farewell to Barcelona in 2021, Messi briefly played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023. His move to Inter Miami created a buzz among soccer enthusiasts worldwide, and the auctioning of the napkin contract further highlighted the significance of his journey and the impact he has had on the sport.
In conclusion, the sale of Lionel Messi’s preserved napkin contract with FC Barcelona for nearly $1 million is a testament to the profound influence he has had on soccer and the immense value placed on his career milestones. This unique artifact not only represents the beginning of Messi’s journey but also symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of aspiring young soccer players around the world.
