Messi’s napkin for sale
Messi’s napkin is now available for online auction. This unique piece, known as ‘the most famous napkin in the world’, is a piece of paper with which FC Barcelona signed Lionel Messi when he was just 13 years old. Auction house Bonhams has put this napkin up for sale with a starting price of $380,000 (about €350,000), and it is estimated that the final price could reach €580,000. Anyone can participate in the auction by registering on the Bonhams website.
An object with great symbolic value
This napkin, despite having no intrinsic material value, has a great symbolic charge for Barça fans. It represents how one player changed the club’s history and is a unique testament to a key moment in Messi’s career. The napkin was signed by Lionel Messi, Carles Rexach and Horacio Gaggioli in December 2000. It was Rexach who took responsibility for signing Messi, despite opinions to the contrary, and this decision marked a turning point in history of FC Barcelona.
The auction and litigation
The auction of Messi’s napkin had been postponed due to litigation between Josep Maria Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli. Minguella tried to stop the sale of the napkin by arguing that he had no certificate of ownership. However, Bonhams has assured that the sale is completely legal and that the buyer will have all the guarantees of ownership.
A unique opportunity
The napkin has been exhibited in several cities including Paris, New York and London before the auction. This unique opportunity to own this piece of football history will be available until May 17.
The future of the napkin
Although FC Barcelona does not plan to participate in the auction, this napkin could be a great claim for the club’s new museum. With its historical and symbolic value, it would be a prominent piece in the exhibition and a reminder of Messi’s legacy at Barça.
