Lionel Messi’s illustrious journey with Barcelona had an unconventional starting—an iconic contract signed on a easy serviette. This extraordinary relic of soccer historical past is now poised to hit the public sale block, with an preliminary bid beginning at 300,000 kilos (USD 379,000).
On it was written, “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.” (They Are Sharing Wives: Mikel Arteta’s Explosive Press Meet About Ben White And Oleksandr Zinchenko Sets Internet On Fire – WATCH)
The famend British public sale home, Bonhams, is orchestrating the net public sale scheduled to run from March 18 to 27. The public sale represents Horacio Gaggioli, an agent from Messi’s homeland of Argentina, who performed a vital function within the settlement. (Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal, Indian Super League (ISL) Football Live Score)
Dated December 14, 2000, the serviette boasts the signatures of Gaggioli, together with one other agent, Josep Maria Minguella, and Carles Rexach, the then-sporting director of Barcelona. This historic second unfolded at a tennis membership in Barcelona, solidifying the preliminary settlement to signal Messi. The makeshift contract served as a reassuring gesture to his father, Jorge Messi, signaling the solidity of the deal. Following this casual pact, a extra formal and complete contract with the membership was promptly organized.
Laporta: “Whoever buys Leo Messi’s napkin should hand it over to the club museum. We will not enter into any auctions.” pic.twitter.com/ivkcB3jstY
 Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 2, 2024
Ian Ehling, heading the division of high-quality books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed his enthusiasm, deeming this artifact one of the fascinating he is come throughout. Despite its humble origin as a paper serviette, its significance resonates via soccer historical past, endlessly altering Messi’s trajectory and Barcelona’s future, creating numerous indelible moments for followers worldwide.
