The agreement was reached on December 14, 2000, involving the Catalan club, Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, and Messi’s then-agent Josep Maria Minguella. Carles Rexach, a director at Blaugrana, notably opted to jot down the contract’s terms on a napkin. The contract, now set for auction by Bonhams, will take place in London from March 18 to 27, representing Gaggioli’s interests, with a starting bid of £300,000 ($381,000).
This contract marks a pivotal moment in Messi’s journey and a significant event in football history, its unconventional beginnings adding to its intrigue. The decision to use a napkin came after Gaggioli mentioned interest from Real Madrid, prompting Barcelona’s hesitance despite Messi’s impressive trial. When a formal contract couldn’t be drawn, Rexach improvised, creating a binding document in a highly unconventional manner.
Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed excitement over the opportunity to auction such a historic artifact, acknowledging its impact on Messi’s career and FC Barcelona’s future, as well as its significance to billions of football fans worldwide.
Initially held by Minguella, Messi’s first contract was offered to Barcelona for museum display, but with no response from the club, Minguella decided to send it for auction. He plans to donate the proceeds to Barcelona’s foundation.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
ArgentinaThis season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami lost 4-3 against Al Hilal.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami
It will be Inter Miami ended the league in the 14th position with 34 points.
In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.
FC Barcelona performance and stats
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is currently 4th in the La Liga with 47 points.
In the last 22 games, it has won 14 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, FC Barcelona won 1-0 against Osasuna.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 44 goals and conceding 29.
FC Barcelona will play the next match in La Liga against Deportivo Alavés on Saturday 3rd of February in Gasteiz. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.
