Historic Lionel Messi Contract On A Napkin Sells For ₹8 Crore

Messi emerged as one of Barcelona’s most exceptional players, securing more than 30 trophies and departing the Catalan team as their highest scorer ever with 672 goals. Additionally, he clinched a remarkable eight Ballon d’Or titles as the world’s finest player and guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.  Messi is part of the US-based Inter Miami team in Major League Soccer.

The paper napkin containing Barcelona’s pledge to sign Lionel Messi at 13 has recently been auctioned for 762,400 pounds (equivalent to Rs 8.08 crore). This napkin, signed in December 2000, bears a commitment from the former Barcelona director Carl Rexach, according to a report by the BBC. “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, at this moment 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,” reads the translated text.

The napkin was signed at a meeting in the presence of Messi’s father Jorge who was concerned about the lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager’s trial. Additionally, it carries the signatures of Josep Minguella, a transfer consultant for the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the young Argentine player. The auction began with a starting price of 300,000 pounds (approximately Rs 3.17 crore).

The ‘typical Spanish wax napkin,’ measuring 16.5 x 16.5cm, was laminated, framed, and signed in blue ink, as reported by the source. The auction, conducted online by Bonhams in London on behalf of Gaggioli, featured this item.