Napkin linking Messi to Barcelona sold for $965,000

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The Genesis of a Legend: Lionel Messi’s Historic Napkin Sold at Auction

Regarded as one of the most iconic pieces of memorabilia in the world of sports history, the napkin that solidified Lionel Messi’s connection to FC Barcelona has been auctioned off for a staggering £762,400 ($965,000) by the prestigious British auction house, Bonhams.

The inception of the deal that would ultimately shape Messi’s illustrious career was penned in blue ink on this humble napkin nearly 25 years ago at a Barcelona tennis club. An informal yet binding agreement in principle to sign the then 13-year-old prodigy laid the groundwork for what would evolve into a formal contract with the Catalan giants shortly thereafter.

Facilitating this historic transaction was Horacio Gaggioli, an esteemed agent hailing from Messi’s native Argentina, who played an integral role in orchestrating the transfer that would forever alter the landscape of football. A notable aspect of the auction included an undisclosed percentage of the sale price designated to cover administrative fees, commonly referred to as the buyer’s premium.

The significance of this napkin lies not only in its archival value but in the poignant narrative it embodies. Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, found solace in the written assurance provided by the contract, amidst negotiations that had reached an impasse, prompting him to contemplate a return to Argentina with his son.

A Chronicle Etched in Ink

The napkin, dated December 14, 2000, bore the signatures of key stakeholders in this pivotal moment of footballing lore. Horacio Gaggioli, alongside fellow agent Josep Maria Minguella and Carles Rexach, the then-sporting director of FC Barcelona, convened at the tennis club where fate intersected with destiny.

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Immersed in the urgency of the occasion, Rexach, seizing upon the nearest available medium, requested a scrap of paper from a waiter, subsequently receiving a blank napkin, unwittingly setting in motion Messi’s trajectory to superstardom. The modest starting price of £300,000 ($379,000) belies the astronomical sum the napkin ultimately fetched at auction.

A Legacy Forged in Catalonia

Upon his arrival from Argentina at the tender age of 13, Messi’s tenure at Barcelona spanned close to two decades, characterized by a litany of accolades and triumphs that would etch his name in the annals of sporting history. Making his debut for the first team in 2004, Messi went on to adorn the Blaugrana jersey for 17 distinguished seasons, amassing an impressive collection of honors that included four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga crowns.

The indelible imprint Messi left on Barcelona’s storied legacy was immortalized through his unparalleled skill, unwavering dedication, and a symbiotic bond with the club and its fervent supporters. In a poignant juncture that marked the denouement of an era, Messi bid adieu to Barcelona in the summer of 2021, embarking on a new chapter with Paris Saint-Germain before his recent transfer to Inter Miami.

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Chris Jones

Hey there! 👋 I'm Chris, 34 yo from Toronto (CA), I'm a journalist with a PhD in journalism and mass communication. For 5 years, I worked for some local publications as an envoy and reporter. Today, I work as 'content publisher' for InformOverload. 📰🌐 Passionate about global news, I cover a wide range of topics including technology, business, healthcare, sports, finance, and more. If you want to know more or interact with me, visit my social channels, or send me a message.
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