Barcelona's Commitment and Rexach's Role

In the early 2000s, the Messi family sought to secure a trial for Lionel Messi with FC Barcelona, motivated by their connections in Catalonia. At that time, it was uncommon for European football clubs to sign foreign players at such a young age, which created hesitation among the Barcelona board of directors regarding Messi's potential signing. Charly Rexach, the first-team director, recognized Messi's talent and was eager to bring him into the club. However, the board's reluctance posed a challenge to the recruitment process. Amidst this uncertainty, an ultimatum was issued, demanding that Barcelona demonstrate their commitment to signing Messi. In a moment of urgency, Rexach took a bold step to ensure Messi's future with the club. Lacking formal documentation, he offered Messi a contract on a paper napkin, a gesture that underscored both the club's commitment and Rexach's belief in Messi's potential. This informal contract became a pivotal moment in Messi's career, leading to his eventual rise as one of the greatest football players in history. The decision to sign Messi not only transformed his life but also had a profound impact on FC Barcelona, as he would go on to become the club's all-time leading scorer and a key figure in their success over the following decades.