The napkin on which Barcelona promised to sign a 13-year-old Lionel Messi has been sold for £762,400 ($969,000), according to auction house Bonhams. Signed in December 2000 by former Barca sporting director Carles Rexach, transfer advisor Josep Minguella, and Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, the napkin marked the start of Messi’s illustrious career. Messi became one of Barcelona’s greatest players, winning over 30 trophies and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals. He also won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Ian Ehling from Bonhams New York highlighted the napkin’s significance, noting its pivotal role in Messi’s career, FC Barcelona’s history, and its impact on football fans worldwide.