Lionel Messi’s original Barcelona contract, signed on a napkin, up for auction

The napkin on which Lionel Messi’s first Barcelona agreement was informally written is up for auction.

Bonhams, a London-based auction house, is holding the auction until May 17, starting at £220,000 ($274.55k), on behalf of Argentine player agent Horacio Gaggioli.

The agreement was made on December 14, 2000, when Barcelona’s director Carles Rexach was eager to sign Messi, who was only 13 at the time.

Despite initial reservations due to Messi’s age and non-European background, Barcelona was impressed with his performance during a trial in September 2000.

Rexach was worried about losing the opportunity to sign Messi, who had returned to Argentina, and decided to make a commitment.

Gaggioli informed Rexach that if they didn’t sign Messi, he would offer him to other clubs, including Real Madrid.

Rexach invited Gaggioli for dinner to finalize the decision, but without a formal contract ready, he improvised by writing the terms on a napkin.

The napkin contained the agreement details and was signed by Rexach, Minguella, and Gaggioli.

Years later, Gaggioli referred to the napkin as a significant moment that helped break a deadlock.

He cherished it as a legal document, always keeping it safe with him.

Minguella revealed that the napkin had been in his possession for years and offered it to Barcelona for display in the club’s museum, with hopes of not profiting from it.

If the napkin is sold, he wishes for the proceeds to go to the club’s foundation.

Now, efforts are being made to determine the legal ownership of the napkin and how it can be proven.