Lionel Messi’s Iconic First Barcelona Contract On 'Napkin' Set To Be Auctioned

The piece of sporting memorabilia associated with Lionel Messi will be auctioned by the prestigious auction house Bonhams between March 18 and 27.

Lionel Messi of Barcelona in action during the match between FC Barcelona and Osasuna, of La Liga, in September, 2006

Source : Getty

Football fans and enthusiasts are anxiously anticipating the auction of a historical artefact that played a pivotal role in shaping Lionel Messi's illustrious career. The iconic napkin on which Messi signed his first contract with FC Barcelona on December 14, 2000, is poised to be auctioned at Bonhams, a renowned British auction house, scheduled between March 18 and 27. The estimated selling price is anticipated to range between an impressive £300,000 to £500,000.

The remarkable piece of football memorabilia has been carefully preserved securely right from the start, under the custodianship of Horacio Gaggioli, Messi's representative at the time as per a Marca report. The iconic napkin not only features the signature of the young prodigy himself but also includes the signatures of Carles Rexach, Barcelona's technical secretary, and Josep Maria Minguella, the talent scout credited with discovering Messi.

Minguella played a crucial role in facilitating Messi's transition to Barcelona, managing the football prodigy's accommodation and welfare alongside his father, Jorge, from September 2000 until their establishment in the city. The signing of the napkin took place during a lunch at La Reial Societat de Tennis Pompeia in Montjuïc and includes a written commitment by Carles Rexach. The writing, penned in blue ink, affirms the official commitment made on that significant day, even in the face of differing opinions within the Barcelona camp.

Have A Look At The Signed Napkin Here:

The napkin in which Leo Messi signed his first contract for FC Barcelona will be sold in auction.

— @mundodeportivo pic.twitter.com/4rAFPjdsiv

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2024

Initially, Gaggioli had planned to donate this priceless piece of history to the FC Barcelona museum. However, the napkin is now set to be auctioned rather than finding its place within the museum.

The significance of this artefact extends beyond its physical form, encapsulating the transformative impact it had on Messi's career and the fate of FC Barcelona. The document emerged as a symbol of commitment during a period of uncertainty at the club, marked by varying opinions on signing the young talent. Despite Messi's remarkable skills captivating audiences, scepticism arose due to concerns about his growth. In response, the Blaugrana club took proactive measures, implementing a treatment plan to ensure his physical development aligned with his age.