Napkin which helped bring 13-year-old Messi to Barcelona up for auction

The napkin was used to write a commitment to Lionel Messi, when he was 13, for a contract with FC Barcelona (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

By Max McLean, PA

The napkin which helped bring Lionel Messi to Barcelona more than 20 years ago is up for auction.

The unusual document, which has become something of a legend in the world of football, is being offered at Bonhams in an online auction until May 17 on behalf of Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli, with a starting price of £300,000.