QuickCheck: Is it true that Messi’s contract with FC Barcelona was first signed on a napkin?
The article confirms the historical anecdote that Lionel Messi's first contract with FC Barcelona was indeed signed on a napkin in December 2000. It details the circumstances of the meeting between club director Carles Rexach and Messi's representatives.
Why it matters
This story is a significant piece of sports history, illustrating the unconventional beginnings of one of the world's most famous athletes.
THE story of how Lionel Messi came to sign with FC Barcelona is one of football's most remarkable behind-the-scenes tales, involving a young Argentine boy, a frustrated father and a lunch that almost did not happen.
When club directors repeatedly delayed formalising the deal, a Barcelona official took matters into his own hands at a restaurant table in December 2000.
But did one of football's greatest players really get his start with a contract signed on a napkin?
Many people did see Messi's potential to be a great player back then, even at such a young age. However, it wasn't as smooth sailing as some might expect.
Messi was only 13 when he got signed, but why did it have to be on a napkin?
The club directors were delaying the signing, which frustrated Messi's father, Jorge.
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