Historic Barcelona: Messi’s Landmark Agreement Document, Showcased Ahead of Auction

Bonhams, the renowned auction house, is currently exhibiting the iconic napkin that marked Lionel Messi’s journey to Barcelona at its New York headquarters. The document will be open for online bidding from March 18 to March 27, allowing collectors the opportunity to vie for ownership of this historic piece.

The famed napkin, which recorded FC Barcelona’s commitment to signing Lionel Messi in December 2000, was presented to the media on March 5 at Bonhams’ New York venue, building anticipation for the upcoming auction.

With a starting price of £300,000 (approximately €351,000), this napkin encapsulates Barcelona’s dedication to securing the signature of a 13-year-old Messi, who was then a promising talent in the football world. The handwritten note, penned in blue ink by Carles Rexach, Barcelona’s sporting director at the time, reads: “In Barcelona, on December 14, 2000, and in the presence of Messrs. Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, director of football of FC Barcelona, undertakes under his responsibility and despite any contrary opinion, to sign the player Lionel Messi, as long as we stick to the agreed-upon amounts.”

Shortly after this commitment, Messi officially joined Barcelona, embarking on a legendary football career that would establish him as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.

Ian Ehling, Director of Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams New York, provided context, stating, “Messi had arrived in Barcelona in September 2000 for trials, but it wasn’t until mid-December that an agreement was reached between the Messi family and Barcelona. There was no paper available, so this paper napkin represents the first informal contract.”