China News Service, Beijing, March 15 (Reporter Xing Rui) Recently, the first "napkin contract" signed by Argentine star Messi and La Liga giant Barcelona was put on display at Bonhams auction house.
This meaningful contract will be auctioned from March 18th to 27th local time, with a starting price of 300,000 pounds (approximately 2.75 million yuan).
Screenshot of Bonhams auction house website
According to foreign media reports, the contract was signed in December 2000.
In September of that year, Messi, who was only 13 years old, arrived in Barcelona from Argentina for trial training. The then Barcelona club scout Rexach saw Messi's talent in less than 5 minutes.
"We have to sign him," Rexach told the team coach with determination.
But Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency around the age of 10, and he needed specialized treatment to ensure normal development and growth.
Due to this situation, Messi, who is extremely talented, has made many Argentine clubs, including River Plate, hesitate.
Under the operation of agent Gagchioli, Messi got the opportunity to go to Spain for a trial training.
After the trial, Messi and his father did not wait for an invitation from Barcelona until December.
Gaggioli also has the idea of sending Messi to Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid.
Messi held a press conference at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, to explain issues related to his departure from Barcelona.
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In order to keep Messi, Rexach met with Gagchioli and the club's transfer adviser Minghella at the Pompeia Tennis Club.
Rexach asked the waiter for a napkin and wrote the contract that changed Messi's fate on it.
"On December 14, 2000, in Barcelona, witnessed by Minghella and Gagchioli, Rexach agreed to sign Messi within the scope of his responsibilities and in accordance with the agreement previously agreed upon by both parties, regardless of any objections. West."
The contract was approved by Joan Gaspart, the then president of Barcelona Club, and officially signed that night.
A month later, the two parties completed the signing.
The team not only covered the cost of Messi's treatment, but also provided accommodation for his family.
Screenshots from foreign media reports
After entering the La Masia youth training camp, Messi grew rapidly.
In 2003, the 16-year-old Messi made his debut with the Barcelona first team and began his legendary career.
During his time with Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 8 Spanish Super Cup titles, 3 European Super Cup titles and 3 Club World Cup titles.
Time flies, the 36-year-old Messi has entered the end of his career, and his grudges with Barcelona Club have gradually faded away with the passage of time.
The story of the "napkin contract" has long become a legend in football. It changed Messi's life, changed the development trajectory of Barcelona Club, and also changed world football.
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