An iconic piece of football history, the napkin that played a pivotal role in Lionel Messi's move to FC Barcelona, is set to go under the hammer with a starting price of €350,000 (£300,000) in an auction by British auction house Bonhams in March.

This extraordinary napkin, adorned with signatures from Carles Rexach, Josep Minguella, and Horacio Gaggioli, marked the genesis of Messi's illustrious professional career. Signed on 14th December 2000, the contract on the napkin was a crucial step in securing Messi's future with FC Barcelona.

The significance of this artifact cannot be overstated. From its humble origins as a simple paper napkin, it became the catalyst for Messi's legendary journey, during which he scored 672 goals in 778 games for FC Barcelona, clinched eight Ballon d'Or awards, and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Ian Ehling, the Head of Fine Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed his excitement about handling such a historic item, emphasizing its profound impact on Messi's life and the world of football.

Since its signing, the napkin, measuring just 16.5 x 16.5cm, has been safeguarded by Horacio Gaggioli in a vault in Andorra. The contract, penned in blue ink, underscores the agreement made between the parties involved, ensuring Messi's future at FC Barcelona.

Recalling the momentous event, Carles Rexach affirmed his commitment to Messi's signing and assured Messi's father, Jorge, of the deal's validity during a 2020 interview with ESPN.

The upcoming online auction for this legendary napkin is scheduled to take place from 18th March to 27th March, offering football enthusiasts and collectors an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of football history that forever changed the landscape of the sport.