March 6, 2024
From a Napkin Promise to Soccer Greatness – Messi’s Legacy on Auction Block
In a riveting twist of fate, a seemingly ordinary napkin, now valued at up to $635,000, stands as the catalyst that launched soccer legend Lionel Messi’s career with FC Barcelona. The unique artifact, once used to scribble the initial promise of a contract to the 13-year-old prodigy, is set to go under the hammer in an online auction by Bonhams from March 18 to 27.
A Napkin’s Journey: Messi’s Springboard to Greatness Displayed at Bonhams, New York, the humble napkin, inscribed by Barcelona’s Sporting Director Carles Rexach on December 14, 2000, has become a symbol of Messi’s remarkable journey to football stardom. This artifact, capturing the inception of Messi’s career, is creating waves in the world of soccer memorabilia.
Auction Anticipation: Record-Breaking Valuation While officially estimated between $380,000 and $635,000, the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, Ian Ehling, expresses confidence that the napkin may surpass expectations. With recent soccer memorabilia auctions, like Messi’s World Cup shirts, exceeding predictions, the napkin’s historical significance is expected to drive intense bidding.
Messi’s Pioneering Path: From Rosario to Barcelona Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s ascent to football greatness began when he was spotted by FC Barcelona at the age of 13. The journey, chronicled by the napkin agreement, reveals the skepticism and eventual commitment that shaped Messi’s early career.
The December 14, 2000, Turning Point At a Barcelona tennis club, a pivotal meeting occurred between Carles Rexach, and agents Josep Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli. To formalize the club’s interest, Rexach reached for the napkin, penning an agreement to sign Messi. This document, preserved for nearly 25 years, is a testament to the inception of Messi’s extraordinary career.
Incredible Career Milestones and Legacy Messi’s illustrious career with Barca includes winning the Spanish league 10 times, playing until 2021, and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 474 goals. The napkin, now a symbol of the inception of Messi’s legacy, is poised to make history in its own right.
Auction Tour: New York, Paris, London Following its New York display, the napkin will tour Paris and London, building anticipation for the auction, which concludes on March 27. This artifact, embodying the beginning of Messi’s unparalleled journey, transcends soccer history.
As the soccer world awaits, the humble napkin emerges as a priceless relic, encapsulating the promise that ignited Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career. #MessiAuction #FootballHistory #SoccerMemorabilia https://www.sportiwe.com/
