In a landmark event that reverberated through the football world, the famed napkin that once secured Lionel Messi’s future with Barcelona has been auctioned off for a staggering $965,000. This historic sale, conducted by the esteemed British auction house Bonhams, marks a significant chapter in the legendary Argentine footballer’s storied career.
The napkin, a relic of immense importance in Messi’s trajectory, bears witness to an agreement inked when he was just 13 years old, outlining the framework of his future with the Catalan giants. Signed by Messi’s agent Horacio Gaggioli, alongside fellow agent Josep Maria Minguella and Barcelona’s then-sporting director Carles Rexach, the document symbolizes the genesis of a footballing icon.
Originally penned on December 14, 2000, the napkin served as a preliminary contract, assuring Messi’s father, Jorge, of the club’s commitment to nurturing his son’s prodigious talent. This informal agreement paved the way for a formal contract shortly thereafter, propelling Messi into the annals of football history.
The auction, which saw an undisclosed percentage of the sale price allocated towards administrative fees, was orchestrated by Bonhams on behalf of Horacio Gaggioli. With a starting price of $379,000, the bidding frenzy surrounding this piece of football folklore culminated in a near-million-dollar sale, underscoring its unparalleled significance.
Lionel Messi, now plying his trade with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, reminisces on a glittering tenure with Barcelona that spanned nearly two decades. During his tenure at Camp Nou, Messi played an instrumental role in securing every major accolade, clinching the Champions League four times and the Spanish league title on an astonishing 10 occasions.
As the napkin changes hands, it serves as a poignant reminder of Messi’s indelible impact on the beautiful game and the serendipitous moments that shape sporting destinies.
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