A seemingly ordinary napkin holds extraordinary significance in the annals of soccer history, as it bears witness to Lionel Messi's pivotal moment at FC Barcelona, capturing the essence of a contract promise made to the young prodigy at the age of 13.

Expected to fetch an impressive sum of up to $635,000, the napkin has been unveiled in New York, generating fervent interest ahead of the bidding commencement on March 18 amid a surging demand for soccer memorabilia.

While officially valued between $380,000 and $635,000, Ian Ehling, the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, anticipates that the napkin will command an even higher price at auction.

In December, a collection of six jerseys worn by Messi during Argentina's triumphant Qatar World Cup campaign in 2022 fetched a staggering $7.8 million at a Sotheby's auction, surpassing initial estimations.

The narrative behind the napkin has been recounted numerous times in the lore of Lionel Messi, an iconic figure in soccer history who currently plies his trade with Inter Miami.

Born in 1987 to a humble family in Rosario, Argentina, Messi's talent was spotted by FC Barcelona at the age of 13, although finalizing the deal proved arduous, prompting impatience from Messi's father.

A decisive moment occurred on December 14, 2000, at a Barcelona tennis club, where the club's sporting director, Carles Rexach, along with agents Josep Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, formalized their commitment to signing Messi. Rexach inscribed the agreement on the napkin in blue ink, pledging to secure Messi's signature, pending adherence to mutually agreed terms.

While a formal contract was subsequently drafted, Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli retained the historic napkin for nearly 25 years before opting to put it up for auction.

Messi went on to achieve unprecedented success at Barcelona, winning the Spanish league title 10 times and establishing himself as the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 474 goals before departing in 2021.

Ehling remarked on the significance of the napkin, stating, "The inception of Messi’s career is documented here. It’s just incredible."

Following its showcase in New York, the napkin will be exhibited in Paris and London before the conclusion of the auction on March 27.