look news india
Lionel Messi is a superstar in the football world, but do you know how he started his career? Napkins played a big role in Messi's early career. Now the iconic napkin is going to be auctioned.
According to reports, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi signed his first contract on this napkin at the age of 13. Now it is ready for auction. Although the auction was scheduled for March, it was delayed due to a dispute over ownership of the napkin.
The auction will remain open till May 17
The guide price of the napkin is said to be $374,700-$624,500 i.e. around Rs 5.21 crore. A price guide is created to determine the price of any item. Which helps determine what an item may be worth. Bidding with British auction house Bonhams will remain open until May 17.
The contract was signed in the year 2000
According to reports, this contract was signed in the year 2000. Messi's father was thinking about this contract with Barcelona. He suggested taking his son back to Argentina. Then director Carlus Rexach hastily put the contract on a napkin. Gaglioli was then in the role of deal broker. The signature on the napkin remained in Gaglioli's possession ever since.
Messi played for Barcelona for 20 years. Where he won 10 LaLiga titles, 7 Copas del Rey and 4 Champions League trophies. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain. Messi currently plays for American football club Inter Miami.
What was the dispute?
Actually, there was a dispute between agent Horacio Gaglioli and manager Josep Minguella over the napkin. It is said that this napkin was in the possession of Horatio Gaglioli for the last two decades. Minguela has presented his claim regarding the auction. The napkin is listed on the website as the property of Horacio Gaglioli.