The Napkin with Messi's First Contract Up for $376,000 Auction
The napkin on which Leo Messi's first contract with Barcelona was signed goes up for auction this Wednesday in London with a starting price of £300,000 ($375,840).
Dated December 2000, when Messi was just thirteen years old, the napkin represents the commitment of a contract with Barcelona and was signed in blue pen by Carles Rexach, then the sporting director of the 'Blaugrana'.
This piece, owned by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, will be offered at an online auction by Bonhams, which has displayed it in recent months in Paris, New York, and London.
The auction will run from May 8th at 12:00 UK time until May 17th.
The contract with FC Barcelona in 2000 changed the fate of the Catalan club and also Messi's own destiny, as he has become one of the greatest players of all time, winning numerous titles with Barcelona and the Argentine
national team, including the Copa America and the World Cup in Qatar, as well as eight Ballon d'Or awards.
"In Barcelona, on December 14, 2000, and in the presence of Messrs. Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, technical secretary of FC Barcelona, commits under his responsibility and despite some contrary opinions to sign the player Lionel Messi as long as we maintain the agreed-upon amounts,” reads the napkin.
