2) The first contract on a paper napkin
Back in 2000, Barcelona technical director Charly Rexach had been told about this new kid who was supposed to be the next Diego Maradona. He managed to convince Messi’s father that Barcelona was the place to be for the youngster to grow up – literally, as he needed growth hormones injected into his legs on a daily basis.
After a few trials, Rexach met Messi’s father at a restaurant and was told that even Real Madrid were interested. At that moment, Rexach took a table napkin from the plastic holder and wrote: “I, Charly Rexach, in my capacity as technical secretary for FC Barcelona, and despite the existence of some opinions against it, commit to signing Lionel Messi as long as the conditions agreed are met.”
He worded it so as there were arguments at the boardroom level on whether they should sign Messi – a young foreign player who required treatment and one who would not be able to play in all competitions except Catalan tourneys. But Rexach knew Messi would turn out alright.
