Source: REUTERS/Will Russell
[Saba Sports News] British media reports confirm that a napkin bearing Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona has been successfully auctioned for £762,000. Bonhams Auction House conducted the auction on behalf of Messi’s former agent Gajoli, with the starting bid set at £220,000. The auction concluded on May 17, with the final price reaching £762,000. The famous napkin contract was born on December 14, 2000, when Barcelona director Carles Rexach met Messi’s agent in a restaurant. Due to time constraints, Rexach wrote the signing commitment on a napkin. Gajoli revealed in an interview last year that he had informed Rexach that if Barcelona could not commit to signing Messi, he would recommend the player to other clubs, including Real Madrid. The contract was then signed by all parties involved, giving it legal effect.