Thursday, 13 Feb 2025
Sport

Lionel Messi: The Incredible Story of His Barcelona Signing

Lionel Messi

Charly Rexach, a long-time figure in Barcelona’s history, still recalls the day he signed Lionel Messi on a serviette. Born and raised in Pedralbes, just uphill from the Camp Nou, Rexach joined Barcelona at 12 years old and has been involved with the club for almost half a century. However, it was his decision to sign Messi that will forever define his place in Barcelona’s history.

On September 17, 2000, Horacio Gaggioli, Messi’s agent, and Rexach were waiting for the young Argentine player at El Prat airport in Barcelona. Messi, accompanied by his father and agent, had come for a trial at Barcelona. The following day, Messi trained with the Barcelona youth team, leaving everyone in awe of his talent.

Rexach had been at the Olympic Games in Sydney during that time but was determined to see Messi in action. It took him some time to get to the match, but within minutes of witnessing Messi’s skills, Rexach knew they had to sign him immediately. Despite some doubts within the club, Rexach wrote an agreement on a serviette, committing to signing Messi as long as the agreed conditions were met.

The framed napkin on which Lionel Messi’s informal Barcelona contract was written by Charly Rexach in December 2000.

The agreement faced obstacles due to Barcelona’s crisis at the time, but they were determined to secure Messi’s talent. They had to find work for Messi’s father and cover the costs of his hormone treatment. Overcoming these challenges, Messi joined Barcelona’s ranks.

Fast forward to today, Messi stands on the verge of becoming the all-time leading scorer in La Liga, rewriting records at just 27 years old. His journey from a young Argentine player to a Barcelona icon was not without hardships. However, his determination to succeed and the club’s commitment to his development allowed him to reach unprecedented heights.

FAQs

How old was Messi when he joined Barcelona?

Messi was only 13 years old when he came to Barcelona for a trial.

Who signed Messi for Barcelona?

Charly Rexach, Barcelona’s technical director at the time, signed Messi on a serviette, making a commitment to his signing.

What challenges did Messi face when joining Barcelona?

Messi faced obstacles such as finding work for his father, covering the costs of his hormone treatment, and proving himself at such a young age.

When did Messi make his competitive debut for Barcelona?

Messi made his competitive debut on October 16, 2004, against Espanyol.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s signing with Barcelona is a legendary tale in the football world. From being signed on a serviette to his record-breaking performances on the pitch, Messi’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication. Barcelona’s commitment to his development and their trust in his potential were key factors in shaping Messi into the global football icon he is today.

If you want to explore more about Lionel Messi or other football players’ statistics and achievements, visit the Pesstatsdatabase, your ultimate source for in-depth football information.