It's one of the most important documents in football history but Lionel Messi's first Barcelona contract was actually written on a napkin 19 years ago.
A 13-year-old Messi arrived at Barca in September 2000.
Joan Gaspart, Barca's president at the time, thought there were some risks in signing Messi but Rexach elected to write out the following contract on the napkin, signed by all three members present.
"In Barcelona, on December 14, 2000, and in the presence of Messrs. Minguella and Horacio, Carlos Rexach, Technical Secretary of F.C.B. is committed under his responsibility and despite some opinions against signing the player Lionel Messi as long as we maintain the agreed amounts."
Everything became official from then on and Messi started his journey in Catalonia, turning out for the youth sides, C and B teams before making the step up to the first-team.
Just the six Ballon d'Ors, six European Golden Shoes, ten La Liga titles, six Copa Del Reys, four Champions Leagues for Barcelona since then.
And it all started with a napkin.
neer64
550
When life gives you NAPKIN, remove the NAP and add G (Goals) and become the KING ~ Lionel Messi
Biteiknsyz
402
The fibers used in manufacturing the NAPKIN used to sign his contract were ordained by GOD. Remember, The bible says, for you to prosper in life, you will have to belittle yourself so God can elevate you. He was belittled by writing his contract on pampers but God elevated him to the highest level
Abu→bd
368
Even this napkin paper feels proud for being the part of History of Greatness..
ishti
324
First contract signed on Napkin, then his heroics written on the folklore of every Footballing fans. What a NapKing story
bunabdksy
226
The day Messi retires there should be an annual holiday if not to the football world then in Barcelona.
SingamFootball
8
19 years to come and Messi will still be with Barcelona