In the world of football, certain artifacts hold immense significance. They represent the turning points, the game-changers that shaped the careers of legendary players. One such artifact is set to go under the hammer, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. It is none other than the napkin that kick-started Lionel Messi's extraordinary journey with Barcelona.
This remarkable piece of sporting history, which catalyzed Messi's path to greatness, will be auctioned off in March with a starting price of £300,000 ($382,150). The story behind this modest napkin is captivating, demonstrating how a simple agreement penned on it would forever alter the course of football.
The year was 2000, and doubt crept into the mind of Messi's father, Jorge, regarding Barcelona's commitment to his young son. Sensing this uncertainty, Carles Rexach, the club's director of football at the time, took decisive action. In an impromptu meeting at a Barcelona tennis club, Rexach hastily orchestrated an agreement, etching it onto the only available medium at hand – a humble napkin.
Signed by Rexach himself, along with Josep Minguella, an advisor instrumental in bringing Messi over from South America, and Horacio Gaggioli, the Argentine agent who facilitated the deal, this napkin served as a promise for Messi's first contract. Little did they know that this simple act would change football history forever.
Since that day, the napkin has remained in the possession of Gaggioli, securely stored in a vault in the Principality of Andorra – a small country nestled between Spain and France. Previous attempts to incorporate it into Barcelona's museum at Camp Nou fell through, but now, it will make its way into the hands of private bidders through the renowned British auction house, Bonhams.
Ian Ehling, the Head of Fine Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed his excitement, stating, 'This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Messi's career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of Barça, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.'
Reflecting on that fateful day, Rexach explained the unique choice of the napkin, stating, 'Why a napkin? Because it was the only thing I had available to hand. I saw the only way to relax Jorge was signing something, giving him some proof, so I asked for a napkin from the waiter.' The hastily written agreement stated, '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.'
This extraordinary gesture reassured Jorge Messi that his son had secured a future with Barcelona. And what followed, the world knows as the Messi phenomenon. Lionel Messi went on to become Barcelona's greatest player, amassing a record number of appearances (778) and goals (672) for the club. With him leading the charge, Barcelona claimed an astounding 10 LaLiga titles, seven Copas del Rey, and four Champions League trophies.
On an individual level, Messi's prowess and unparalleled skills earned him eight Ballon d'Or titles, the prestigious award recognizing the world's best male player. He also received The Best FIFA Men's Player award thrice, solidifying his status as a footballing legend.
While Messi bid farewell to Barcelona in 2021, embarking on a new chapter with Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, the memory and impact of that napkin signing endure. It continues to symbolize the beginning of a journey that enthralled fans across the globe, culminating in international triumphs like the recent Copa America victory in 2021 and the 2022 World Cup.
As the famous napkin finds its way to the auction block, it serves as a reminder of the power of belief, determination, and seizing the right opportunities. It is a testament to the immeasurable impact a single decision can make, shaping the destiny of individuals and the landscape of football forever.
