In the annals of football history, few items are as unassuming yet profoundly significant as the napkin that Lionel Messi used to sign his first contract with FC Barcelona. This seemingly ordinary piece of paper, imbued with an extraordinary tale of faith, ambition, and footballing genius, is now poised to capture the imagination of collectors and fans alike as it goes under the virtual hammer with a starting bid that reflects its unique place in sports lore.
A Historic Auction Piece
Bonhams Auction House in New York has the honor of presenting this iconic napkin for auction. Between March 18 and March 27, the online bidding war is expected to attract enthusiasts and investors worldwide, eager to own a piece of history associated with one of football’s greatest ever players. The starting price? An eye-watering $380,000.
The Backstory of Messi’s Napkin Contract
The journey of Lionel Messi, from a young hopeful to a global football icon, is a tale of talent, determination, and serendipity. In 2000, Messi’s potential was brought to the attention of Barcelona’s sporting director, Carles Rexach, by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli. Despite the evident talent, Messi’s path to becoming a Barça player was fraught with hurdles, including concerns about his height, age, and non-European status.
It was during a pivotal lunch meeting that the course of football history changed. Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, recalled the moment Carles Rexach, compelled by the urgency to secure Messi’s future with Barcelona, drafted an agreement on a napkin. This impromptu contract was later validated by lawyers, ensuring the legal grounding of what would become one of the most successful partnerships in football.
The napkin bore the commitment from Rexach to sign Messi, “regardless of any dissenting opinions,” marking the beginning of an era that would see the Argentine dazzle the Camp Nou with his brilliance for 17 years. Messi’s tenure at Barcelona was nothing short of legendary, accumulating an astonishing 672 goals, 303 assists, and a plethora of titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies and 10 La Liga victories.
A New Chapter Lionel Messi in Miami
As the tale of the napkin finds its way into the annals of auction history, another chapter is being written in Messi’s illustrious career, this time at Inter Miami. The Argentine’s influence on the pitch remains as potent as ever, with his presence elevating teammates and captivating fans. Notably, Robert Taylor, Inter Miami’s winger, has found a new lease of life playing alongside Messi, with performances that have sparked discussions of a contract extension.
Taylor’s rapid adaptation and success alongside Messi underscore the enduring impact of the Argentine forward, not just in Barcelona but in the world of football at large. As Messi continues to weave his magic on the field, the auction of the napkin he signed as a young hopeful serves as a poignant reminder of the humble beginnings from which football legends are made.
The napkin used to sign 13-year-old Lionel Messi's first Barcelona contract is on display at Bonhams, New York.
It will be sold during an online auction between March 18-27 with a starting price of over $380K ✍️ pic.twitter.com/HrCcfqoby3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 5, 2024
In essence, the sale of Messi’s napkin contract is not just an auction of a rare piece of sports memorabilia; it’s a celebration of a journey, a testament to the dreams of a young boy from Rosario who would go on to conquer the world of football. As bidders prepare to stake their claims on this unique piece of history, the legacy of Lionel Messi continues to inspire, on and off the pitch.
