Napkin securing Lionel Messi's first contract fetches nearly $1 million at auction
The handwritten restaurant napkin from the year 2000 was the starting point for an agreement between the then 13-year-old Messi and FC Barcelona.
FC Barcelona
Napkin used to secure Messi's first contract with FC Barcelona to be sold at auction
Soccer star Lionel Messi's first unofficial contract with FC Barcelona was done on a napkin. It's now going to auction with a starting bid of nearly $400,000.
After 17 Seasons With FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi Is Leaving
"Due to economic and structural obstacles" in LaLiga regulations, Messi will depart less than a month after making a verbal agreement on a 5-year deal, the club said in a statement.
FC Barcelona: Police Raid Stadium In Financial Crimes Investigation
Local media report the club's former president and current CEO were arrested. The raid follows allegations that club officials hired a marketing firm to discredit its critics, including Lionel Messi.