The Unlikely Birth of a Legend: How a Napkin Changed the Course of Football History
In the world of football, there are stories that transcend mere mortal tales. The kind that make you wonder how something so ordinary could lead to something so extraordinary. The story of Lionel Messi’s first contract with Barcelona is one such tale, and it all began on a humble napkin.
In 2000, 13-year-old Messi traveled from Argentina to Barcelona for a trial with the club’s youth academy, La Masia. It was a moment that would change the course of history. Messi’s talent was undeniable, but securing his future with the club wasn’t a straightforward process. Some within Barcelona were hesitant due to his age and the financial burden of paying for his medical treatments for a growth hormone deficiency.
Carles Rexach, then Barcelona’s technical director, recognized Messi’s potential and was eager to secure his signature before other European clubs swooped in. However, formal negotiations dragged on, frustrating Messi’s father, Jorge, who wanted assurances for his son’s future. In a fateful meeting at a tennis club in Barcelona, Rexach decided to take matters into his own hands. With no formal paperwork on hand, Rexach hastily grabbed a napkin and scribbled the terms of Messi’s first contract.
The napkin contract was an unofficial yet historic agreement, signed by Rexach and Jorge Messi. It was a moment that would set the stage for Messi’s legendary journey with Barcelona, where he would go on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time.
A Symbol of Football History
The napkin that changed the course of football history is now a symbol of the sport’s ability to produce magic. In 2021, the napkin was sold at an online auction by the UK-based firm Bonhams for a whopping 762,400 British pounds ($968,600). It’s a testament to the power of football to transcend borders and inspire generations.
A Legacy that Continues to Inspire
Messi’s legacy continues to inspire fans around the world. With 672 goals in 778 matches, he set FC Barcelona’s goal-scoring record. He won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during his 17-year career with the club. His move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, but his legacy remains firmly rooted in Barcelona.
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