A napkin bearing the signatures of Barcelona's former sporting director and agents, promising to sign a young Lionel Messi in 2000, was recently sold in auction for a staggering 762,400 pounds. Messi went on to become one of the greatest players in Barcelona's history, winning over 30 trophies and leaving the club as their all-time leading scorer with 672 goals. He also became the first player to win eight Ballon d'Or awards and led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup before joining Inter Miami in the MLS. Stay updated with the latest news and stats from IPL 2024, including a preview of the top contenders for the Orange and Purple Cap and a schedule and points table of the tournament.
Lionel Messi's Legendary Status Immortalized in Historic Napkin Sale
A momentous auction has brought to light a captivating piece of football history. A napkin bearing the signatures of former Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach and agents Josep Maria Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, alongside a young Lionel Messi's signature, has been sold for a staggering £762,400.
This napkin, which was discovered in 2012, is a testament to the extraordinary trajectory of one of the most iconic players to grace the beautiful game. In 2000, when Messi was just 13 years old, Barcelona recognized his prodigious talent and arranged a meeting with his entourage.
During this meeting, they agreed upon the terms of Messi's contract. The napkin served as an impromptu document, where Rexach famously scribbled down the terms on the back of a paper placemat. This napkin has since become a highly sought-after collector's item, symbolizing Messi's remarkable journey from a promising youth prodigy to a global footballing icon.
Messi's impact on Barcelona is immeasurable. He is the club's all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, having led them to countless trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey crowns, and 4 Champions League triumphs. His extraordinary achievements cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Top 5 FAQs about Lionel Messi and the Historic Napkin
1. What is the significance of the napkin bearing Messi's signature? It represents the informal agreement between Barcelona and Messi's representatives during a meeting in December 2000 when he was just 13 years old. The napkin served as a placeholder for the formal contract that would be signed later.
2. How much did the napkin sell for? The napkin sold for £762,400 (approximately $899,700) at auction in London.
3. Who purchased the napkin? The buyer's identity remains anonymous.
4. What is Messi's current status? Messi left Barcelona in 2021 and joined Paris Saint-Germain. He recently won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and currently holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or wins with 8.
5. Where is Messi expected to continue his career? Messi's contract with PSG expires at the end of the 2022/23 season. There is speculation that he may return to Barcelona or move to the MLS or another European league.
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