Lionel Messi’s Contract Signed on Napkin to be Auctioned at Staggering Fee
Lionel Messi, hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, made history when he signed his contract with Barcelona on a modest napkin. This 16.5 x 16.5 cm piece of paper, which played a pivotal role in securing Messi’s future with the club, will soon be up for auction in March. The starting price for this unique artifact is set at an astounding £300,000.
Scouting prodigious talent at the tender age of 13, Messi journeyed from his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to join Barcelona. Carles Rexach, the coach responsible for signing him, found himself without an official document during the pivotal negotiation. In a twist of fate, Rexach grabbed a nearby napkin and penned the historic agreement that would shape Messi’s illustrious career.
A grand total of 778 matches and a staggering 672 goals later, Messi’s napkin contract will be presented to bidders in March. The auction is being managed on behalf of Horacio Gaggioli, the agent who introduced Messi to Rexach and was present when the contract was first signed.
The precious napkin, written in Spanish, reads as follows: 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.
Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the auction, remarking that this is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. He added, Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.
This remarkable auction follows the trend of highly sought-after Messi memorabilia. After Argentina’s recent victory in the 2022 World Cup, Messi’s shirts were sold for an astounding £6.1m. It remains to be seen if the napkin will fetch a similar price.
The significance of this contract goes beyond its monetary value. Signed due to concerns over Messi’s size and Barcelona’s commitment to covering his costly growth hormone treatment, the napkin symbolizes the leap of faith taken by both parties. Negotiations were stalled, and Messi’s father, Jorge, eventually issued an ultimatum to the club. Coach Rexach seized the opportunity, scribbling down the agreement on the napkin to secure Messi’s future.
The remarkable journey of Lionel Messi, from signing a contract on a napkin to becoming a global icon, captivates football enthusiasts worldwide. As his napkin contract heads to auction, fans eagerly await the outcome, eager to procure a tangible piece of Messi’s legendary story.
