When Did Messi Sign His First Contract: A Look Back at the Start of a Legendary Career

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest football players of all time. He has broken numerous records over the years and has won countless awards and titles. But before he became a global superstar, Messi signed his first contract with FC Barcelona, marking the start of his remarkable journey.

So, when did Messi sign his first contract? The answer may surprise you. Messi signed his first contract with FC Barcelona on February 14, 2004, at the age of 16. The contract was signed on a napkin as there was no formal contract document available at that time. It was a momentous occasion for Messi as he officially became a Barcelona player.

Messi`s journey to signing his first contract with Barcelona was not an easy one. He was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987 and suffered from growth hormone deficiency as a child. His parents could not afford the expensive medical treatment required, so Messi`s football talent was spotted by scouts from Barcelona when he was just 13 years old.

Barcelona offered to pay for his medical treatment if he moved to Spain to join their academy. Messi and his family agreed, and he began training with Barcelona`s youth teams. By the age of 16, Messi had already made his debut for Barcelona`s first team in a friendly match against FC Porto.

It was clear that Messi was a prodigious talent, and Barcelona wasted no time in offering him his first professional contract. The contract was initially for two years, which was later extended until 2010. Since then, Messi has signed several contracts with Barcelona, the latest being in 2017, which will keep him at the club until 2021.

Messi`s first contract with Barcelona set him on the path to greatness. He made his league debut later in the same year and helped lead Barcelona to their first La Liga title in six years. Since then, he has won ten more La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and numerous individual awards, including six Ballon d`Or awards.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi signed his first contract with FC Barcelona in 2004, at the age of 16. It marked the beginning of a legendary career, one that has seen Messi become one of the greatest football players of all time. Messi`s journey to signing his first contract was not easy, but it paved the way for him to achieve greatness. Barcelona was the perfect home for Messi, and he has repaid their faith in him by becoming one of their most iconic players.