A napkin containing the informal agreement that led to Lionel Messi’s first contract with Barcelona is up for auction at Bonhams, with a starting price of £220,000. The agreement was reached on December 14, 2000, with Barcelona director Carles Rexach eager to secure the signing of the talented 13-year-old Messi, who had impressed during a trial with the club. Initially reluctant to sign such a young, non-European player, Barcelona was pushed to make a decision by agent Horacio Gaggioli, who threatened to offer Messi to other clubs, including rivals Real Madrid.
Facing a time constraint, Rexach resorted to using a napkin to write down the contractual terms, which were signed by Rexach, Gaggioli, and agent Josep Maria Minguella. The napkin, now a valuable historical artifact, reads, “In Barcelona, on December 14, 2000, and in the presence of the gentleman (the agent, Josep Maria) Minguella and Horacio (Gaggioli), Carles Rexach, technical secretary of FCB, commits under his responsibility…as long as the agreed fees are maintained.” This napkin, although seemingly simple, played a crucial role in securing Messi’s future at Barcelona and shaping the football world’s history.
After making his Barcelona debut in 2004, Messi went on to score 672 goals for the club in 778 appearances before leaving in 2021. Reflecting on the significance of the napkin years later, Gaggioli described it as a “marvellous moment” that broke the deadlock in negotiations and paved the way for Messi’s legendary career. While Minguella, who had kept the napkin in his office, expressed a desire to see it displayed in Barcelona’s museum or sold, with the proceeds benefiting the club’s foundation. However, the legal ownership of the napkin and the process of proving ownership before selling it have become a point of discussion.
The sale of the napkin highlights the remarkable turn of events that shaped one of the greatest football careers in history. From the humble beginnings of a handwritten agreement on a napkin in Barcelona to the global fame and success that Messi achieved during his time at the club, the story behind this artifact symbolizes the impact of decisive moments in the football world. As fans and collectors eagerly await the auction outcome, the legacy of this napkin as a symbol of Messi’s journey from a promising young talent to a football icon continues to captivate audiences across the globe.
The historic napkin auction not only commemorates the pivotal moment in Messi’s career but also raises questions about the value and significance of memorabilia in sports history. As collectors and enthusiasts bid for this unique piece of football history, the sentimental and financial value attached to such artifacts becomes evident. The napkin serves as a tangible representation of the passion, dedication, and commitment that shaped Messi’s career and Barcelona’s legacy, resonating with fans who have followed the player’s journey from his early days at the club to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In an era dominated by digital transactions and contracts, the simplicity and authenticity of the napkin agreement capture the essence of a bygone era in football negotiations. As the auction progresses and the napkin finds a new owner, the story behind this piece of paper will continue to inspire football enthusiasts and collectors alike, underscoring the enduring legacy of Lionel Messi and the impact of decisive moments in the sport’s history. Whether displayed in a museum, kept in a safe, or sold to a private collector, the napkin serves as a cherished reminder of the humble beginnings of a football superstar and the enduring power of dreams and determination in achieving greatness in the world of sports.
