According to auction house Bonhams, the napkin that Barcelona’s director and Messi’s agent used to sign the striker’s first contract was sold for $965,000 (£762,400) this week. .

An agreement was reached for Messi, who was then 13 years old, and was drawn up on a napkin, while the two sides negotiated at a local tennis club.

The auction house also said that the napkin was supplied by Horacio Gaggioli, an Argentine dealer who was involved in the deal.

The details were written in blue ink and were done quickly to reassure Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, that a deal would be completed.

The 66-year-old had previously threatened to return to Argentina with his son 25 years ago when negotiations with the La Liga side were delayed.

The napkin was dated December 14, 2000 and was signed by Gaggioli, another agent, Josep Maria Minguella, and then Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach.

The napkin reads: “In Barcelona, ​​on December 14, 2000, and in the presence of gentlemen (agent, Josep Maria) Minguella and Horacio (Gaggioli), Carles Rexach, technical secretary of FCB, committed on its own responsibility, regardless of the opinions of others against the signing of Lionel Messi, as long as the agreed fees are maintained.”

“This is one of the most moving items I have ever handled,” Ian Ehling, head of books and fine manuscripts at Bonhams New York, said after the auction via The Athletic. “Yes, it’s just a tissue, but it’s the famous tissue that launched Lionel Messi’s career.”

“It changed Messi’s life, the future of FC Barcelona and contributed to bringing the most glorious football moments to billions of fans around the world.”

Messi left Barcelona in 2021 despite agreeing a new contract with the Catalan club. Barcelona said they could not afford to sign the legendary Argentine player, which led to his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 2022 World Cup winner is currently playing in MLS with Inter Miami, their next match will be on Sunday against DC United.