The recent opening of the auction for the napkin that famously launched Lionel Messi’s Barcelona career has sparked a frenzy among football fans and collectors. With a guide price of £300,000-£500,000 ($374,700-$624,500), the bidding for this unique piece of memorabilia currently stands at £220,000. The auction, facilitated by the British auction house Bonhams, is set to continue until May 17, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of football history.
Initially scheduled for March, the auction was delayed due to a dispute over the ownership of the napkin. Horacio Gaggioli, an Argentine agent, has claimed possession of the napkin for the past two decades. However, another adviser involved in Messi’s transfer from Argentina, Josep Minguella, contested Gaggioli’s ownership. Despite the controversy, Bonhams has confirmed that the napkin is listed as the “property of Horacio Gaggioli” on their website, indicating no hindrance to the sale.
The Story Behind the Napkin
The significance of this napkin dates back to 2000 when Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, expressed doubts about Barcelona’s commitment to his son. In a moment of urgency, Carles Rexach, the club’s director of football at the time, hastily penned an agreement on a napkin. The document, signed by Rexach, Minguella, and Gaggioli, served as a promise for Messi’s first contract with the club. Despite several attempts to incorporate the napkin into Barcelona’s museum, negotiations had previously faltered.
The napkin, signed on December 14, 2000, at a tennis club in Barcelona, symbolizes the pivotal moment that solidified Messi’s future with the Catalan club. Over two decades later, Lionel Messi has established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time, amassing numerous accolades and rewriting record books. With over 770 appearances and 672 goals for Barcelona, Messi’s legacy at the club remains unparalleled.
Following his illustrious stint at Barcelona, Messi departed for Paris Saint-Germain and eventually joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. Despite the change in scenery, Messi’s impact on the field continues to be felt, evident in his record-breaking achievements and individual awards. With a staggering eight Ballon d’Or titles and international triumphs with Argentina, Messi’s career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The auction of Lionel Messi’s napkin serves as a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of football history. The humble piece of paper that marked the beginning of Messi’s iconic career has now become a coveted collectible, encapsulating the journey of a sporting legend. As the bidding continues, the significance of this napkin only grows, reminding us of the remarkable story behind one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.