Bonhams auctioned a napkin bearing Leo Messi’s first contract with Barcelona for $950,000.
The December 2000 artefact began Messi’s professional journey at thirteen years old. It features the signature of Carles Rexach, Barcelona’s sporting director at the time, in blue pen.
Owned by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, the napkin was part of a nine-day online auction held by Bonhams, which had previously displayed it in Paris, New York, and London.
The contract symbolized a pivotal moment for Messi and Barcelona, setting the stage for his rise as one of football’s greatest players. Messi’s tenure at Barcelona led to 35 titles and numerous personal accolades, including eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Lionel Messi has also enjoyed considerable success on the international stage with Argentina, securing several prestigious titles, including the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an Olympic gold medal, the Copa América.
The Director of Fine Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams in New York, Ian Ehling, emphasized the widespread attention this artefact attracted. He remarked, “Yes, it is just a napkin, but it is the historical napkin that marked the beginning of Leo Messi’s illustrious career, transforming his life and the trajectory of Barcelona and delivering some of the most memorable moments in football history.”
