Napkin Sealing Messi's Move to Barcelona to be Auctioned

The paper napkin, signed in 2000, marked the beginning of Messi's legendary career at FC Barcelona and is expected to fetch a starting bid of $380,000.

The paper napkin that sealed Lionel Messi's move to FC Barcelona in 2000 is set to be auctioned with a starting price of $380,000.
The napkin was signed by Carles Rexach, the then sporting director of Barça, and is also signed by Horacio Gaggioli, the Argentine agent who first brought Messi to the attention of Barcelona, and Josep Minguella, the transfer advisor to the club at the time.
The signing of the napkin took place at the Pompeia tennis club in Barcelona, and the agreement was confirmed and sealed later that night by Joan Gaspart, Barcelona’s president at the time.
After joining Barcelona, Messi went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game, making 778 appearances for the club, breaking the club’s goalscoring record, and winning 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
The auction will be conducted by Bonhams in March and the napkin has been carefully preserved in a safe by Horacio Gaggioli, Messi's representative at the time.