The Legendary Paper Napkin: The Beginning of Messi's Iconic Career

The Historic Agreement

The upcoming auction of a paper napkin has sparked global interest, as it holds the remarkable agreement that led to Lionel Messi's iconic journey with FC Barcelona. This extraordinary artifact, signed by key figures in football history, captures the pivotal moment when Messi's fate was sealed in an unconventional yet historic manner.

The agreement, inscribed in blue ballpoint pen, was penned by Carles Rexach, the then sporting director of Barça, on a 6.5 x 6.5 inch napkin. It was a momentous decision made on December 14, 2000, in the presence of influential personalities, including Horacio Gaggioli and Josep Minguella, who played crucial roles in Messi's early career development.

The inscription on the napkin, amidst a lunch meeting at the Pompeia tennis club, marked the beginning of a journey that would forever alter the landscape of football. It was a decision made against dissenting opinions, a decision that would shape the future of FC Barcelona and catapult Messi into the realm of football greatness.

The Rise of a Legend

Following the pivotal agreement, Lionel Messi embarked on a storied journey that would redefine the sport and etch his name in football history. His tenure at Barça's esteemed La Masia academy laid the foundation for a career that would dazzle the world with unparalleled skill and tenacity.

At the age of 16, Messi made his debut for the senior team in 2004, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in an official match at the time. This marked the commencement of a legendary career that spanned 778 appearances for Barcelona, shattering records and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.

Messi's remarkable journey at FC Barcelona was adorned with 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. His artistry on the pitch redefined the notion of football excellence, as he ascended to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

The Symbolic Artifact

The paper napkin, though seemingly unassuming, embodies the profound significance of a pivotal moment in football history. Its upcoming auction symbolizes the enduring impact of a decision made on that fateful day in 2000, a decision that set in motion a transcendent career and forever altered the trajectory of FC Barcelona.

Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, aptly captured the sentiment surrounding this extraordinary artifact, stating, 'Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi's career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.'

As the paper napkin prepares to take center stage at the auction, it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of a single agreement, etched on an unassuming yet iconic artifact, that sparked the rise of a football legend and forever intertwined the destinies of Messi and FC Barcelona.