Producer: Peuli Bakshi
Football sensation, Lionel Messi's iconic journey with Barcelona began with an informal contract written on a 6.5 x 6.5 inch paper napkin.
The napkin, signed by Carles Rexach in blue ball pen, aimed to secure the talents of the then 13-year-old Messi in 2000.
It is now up for auction with a starting bid of $380,000 (31,540,361 INR) through British auction house, Bonhams.
Horacio Gaggioli, Messi's Argentine agent, entrusted the napkin for auction, representing a significant piece of football history.
Signed by Gaggioli, agent Josep Maria Minguella and Carles Rexach, the napkin outlines an agreement from Dec 14, 2000.
The informal agreement reassured Messi's father, Jorge Messi, about the impending deal, preceding a more formal contract with Barcelona.
Bonhams will conduct the online auction from March 18-27, encapsulating the excitement surrounding Messi's origins.
The head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, Ian Ehling said, “This (the napkin) is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled.”
“It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe,” he added.