A used napkin may seem insignificant to some, but for soccer legend Lionel Messi, it holds the promise of greatness at FC Barcelona. The napkin, featuring a contract agreement made to Messi at the age of 13, is set to go up for auction with an estimated value of up to $635,000. This unique piece of memorabilia has been put on display in New York to generate interest ahead of the bidding process starting on March 18.
While officially estimated to sell for between $380,000 and $635,000, experts anticipate that the napkin could fetch even higher bids. Ian Ehling, the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, stated, “I do expect it to sell for much more,” reflecting the soaring interest in soccer memorabilia among collectors worldwide.
Last December, a set of six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s victorious Qatar World Cup campaign in 2022 sold for an astonishing $7.8 million at auction, surpassing initial estimates. These record-breaking sales highlight the immense value placed on items associated with one of the greatest players in soccer history.
Lionel Messi’s The Napkin Agreement
The pivotal moment came during a meeting on December 14, 2000, at a Barcelona tennis club, where the club’s sporting director Carles Rexach, along with agents Josep Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, confirmed Barca’s interest in signing Messi. Rexach wrote on a napkin in blue ink, agreeing to sign Lionel Messi “under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions,” thus securing Messi’s future at the club.
The placeholder agreement, written on the napkin, was kept by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli for nearly 25 years before being put up for auction. The document serves as a testament to the inception of Messi’s illustrious career and has captivated soccer fans and collectors alike.
During his tenure at FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi achieved unprecedented success, winning the Spanish league title 10 times and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 474 goals. His contributions to the team and his impact on the sport have solidified his status as one of the greatest players in soccer history.
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