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.
Football superstar Lionel Messi, along with his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, mesmerized Mumbai as they arrived at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The city played hosts to a star-studded audience, including Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. Moreover, the football legend shared a heartwarming moment with Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, hugging him at the stadium. With strict World Cup-level security arrangements in place, the city is all set to welcome the GOAT India Tour 2025 in style.
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The sports world was abuzz when football legend Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated visit to Mumbai's famous Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. In a historic moment, Messi and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar finally met and exchanged gifts, with Sachin gifting Messi his famous No. 10 ODI jersey while Messi presented Sachin with a World Cup ball. The two sporting legends also engaged in a charming conversation, making it a "10/10 day" for Messi. Notably, the Wankhede Stadium holds special significance for both athletes, as it was where Sachin achieved his dream of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and where Messi made his India debut in a friendly game.
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Football enthusiasts in Mumbai were treated to a special surprise as former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis formally launched a new football project at the Wankhede Stadium. The event also saw the presence of legendary footballers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul, along with Indian football star Sunil Chhetri. The project aims to promote and develop the sport of football in the city, making it accessible to all.
India's cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, welcomed Argentine football star Lionel Messi to Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the latter's GOAT Tour 2025. Tendulkar gifted Messi with his own iconic No.10 jersey, worn during India's victory in the 2011 World Cup at the same ground. Tendulkar described Messi's visit as a "golden moment" for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India, and praised the footballer for his dedication, determination, and humility. Messi's tour, with stops in Hyderabad and Kolkata, will conclude with a visit to Delhi on Monday.
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