We’re about to witness history as the napkin on which Lionel Messi’s first Barcelona contract was signed goes up for auction.
With a starting price of £300,000, this iconic piece of football memorabilia carries the essence of The GOAT’s legendary journey from Barcelona’s promising talent to global football icon.
The auction of the napkin that holds Lionel Messi’s first Barcelona contract, signed when he was just 13 years old, marks a significant moment in football history. With a starting bid of £300,000, this artifact encapsulates the beginnings of Messi’s legendary career and the pivotal role he would come to play in the football world.
Signed in December 2000 by Carles Rexach, then-director of Barcelona, the napkin served as a commitment to secure Messi’s future with the club. It was co-signed by Josep Minguella, a transfer advisor to Barcelona, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recognized his potential and recommended him to the Spanish club.
Messi’s journey with Barcelona began a month later, eventually leading him to become the club’s record goalscorer. His debut at the age of 16 marked the start of an extraordinary career, during which he scored an impressive 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan giants.
The significance of the napkin lies not only in its historical value but also in the transformative impact it had on Messi’s life and the football landscape. It symbolizes the faith Barcelona had in his talent and the opportunities it provided him to showcase his abilities on the world stage.
Following his departure from Barcelona in 2021, The GOAT joined Paris St-Germain, continuing his remarkable journey in football. Despite his move away from Barcelona, Messi’s legacy at the club remains indelible, with numerous La Liga and Champions League titles to his name.
The auction of the napkin, scheduled to take place in March via Bonhams auction house, offers football enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of history. It serves as a reminder of Messi’s extraordinary rise from a promising young talent to one of the greatest footballers of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
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