Title: Historic Lionel Messi Barcelona Napkin Sold for $965,000 at Auction

London, UK - In a remarkable auction held by British auction house Bonhams, the legendary napkin that sealed a young Lionel Messi's fate with Barcelona has been sold for a staggering amount of 762,400 pounds ($965,000). The agreement, penned almost 25 years ago at a Barcelona tennis club, initiated Messi's journey to become one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The auction was conducted on behalf of Horacio Gaggioli, an agent from Messi's home country of Argentina, who played a pivotal role in finalizing the signing. Written in blue ink on the napkin, the contract language aimed to reassure Messi's father, Jorge Messi, that the deal would indeed come to fruition. Negotiations between Barcelona and the Messi family had hit a stumbling block, with Jorge even contemplating taking his son back to Argentina.

The historic napkin, bearing the date Dec. 14, 2000, proudly showcases the authentic signatures of Gaggioli, Josep Maria Minguella, and Carles Rexach, who served as Barcelona's then-sporting director. Rexach, determined to document the agreement, had promptly requested paper from a waiter, who instead offered him a blank napkin.

The starting bid for the napkin was set at an impressive 300,000 pounds ($379,000), reflecting the immense significance of its historical value. Messi's unrivaled career with Barcelona spanned nearly two decades, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide after his arrival from Argentina at the tender age of 13. Making his debut with the first team in 2004, Messi showcased his extraordinary talents, leading Barcelona to secure multiple major championships, including four Champions League titles and ten Spanish league victories.

However, the football world was taken by surprise when Messi departed Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Messi's legacy continues, with his recent signing with Inter Miami captivating fans and inspiring a new chapter in his remarkable career.

As the historic napkin finds its new home, it serves as a tangible reminder of the humble beginnings of a footballing legend. The sale not only highlights the immense value placed on sports memorabilia but also immortalizes the extraordinary journey of a young boy from Argentina who would go on to conquer the world of football.