The napkin bearing Lionel Messi's first contract with Barcelona has been auctioned by Bonhams for £762,000 ($890,000).

Dating back to December 2000, when Messi was just thirteen, the napkin signifies his commitment to a contract with Barcelona and is signed in blue ink by Carles Rexach, then the club's sporting director.

This unique item, owned by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, was offered in a nine-day online auction by Bonhams, which had previously exhibited it in Paris, New York, and London over the past few months.

The 2000 contract with FC Barcelona changed the fortunes of the Catalan club and Messi himself, who went on to become one of the greatest players of all time. His illustrious career includes 35 titles with Barcelona and major achievements with the Argentine national team, such as Olympic gold, the Copa América, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and eight Ballon d'Or awards.