(Football News) Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona’s director of football, Carles Rexach, found himself without the necessary paperwork in December 2000 when trying to secure the signature of the Argentine teenage footballer. In a hurried effort, Rexach utilized a napkin to finalize the deal.

The napkin, safeguarded in a vault in Andorra, bears the inscription, “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”

This historic napkin, a cherished part of the club’s memorabilia, is set to be auctioned in March, commencing at an impressive £300,000 ($382,150). Despite initial discussions to feature the napkin in Barcelona’s museum at Spotify Camp Nou, the decision was made to make it available for bidding.

Ian Ehling, the Head of Fine Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed excitement, stating, “This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Messi’s career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of Barça and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”

The choice of a napkin for the signature has sparked curiosity. Rexach clarified, “It was the only thing I had available to hand. I saw the only way to relax Jorge was signing something, giving him some proof, so I asked for a napkin from the waiter.” He emphasized that he informed Messi’s father that his signature was there with witnesses and that Messi could consider himself a Barca player.

Messi’s illustrious career with the club saw him score 672 goals in 778 appearances, securing 10 LaLiga titles, seven Copas del Rey, and four Champions League trophies.

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