The napkin containing Leo Messi‘s first contract with Barcelona has been auctioned by Bonhams for $950,000.
Dating back to December 2000, when Messi was just thirteen years old, the napkin signifies the agreement of a contract with Barcelona.
MESSI AWARD: Messi, the player with the most titles
It is signed in blue pen by Carles Rexach, who was the sporting director of the Blaugrana at the time.
This piece, previously owned by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, was offered in a nine-day online auction by Bonhams, after being exhibited in Paris, New York, and London in recent months.
The 2000 contract with Barcelona changed the fortunes of the Catalan club and Messi himself, who went on to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Messi’s Barcelona honors
Among other achievements, Messi has won 35 titles with Barcelona and major honors with the Argentine national team, including an Olympic gold medal, the Copa Amrica, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Ian Ehling, head of books and manuscripts at Bonhams in New York, stated that the napkin attracted “international attention from many fans” since the announcement of the auction and described it as one of the “most interesting” items they have had.
“Yes, it is just a napkin, but it is the famous napkin that started Leo Messi‘s career. It changed his life, the future of Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments in football,” Ehling added.
