Story perspectives

Barcelona Funded Messi’s Growth-Hormone Therapy via Napkin Deal

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

FC Barcelona agreed to cover Lionel Messi (footballer)’s growth-hormone treatment when he was a teenager.
The agreement, written on a napkin, contained a clause obligating Barcelona to pay for the therapy.
Newell’s Old Boys refused to fund the treatment, deeming it too risky.
Barcelona’s payment enabled the therapy, which proved effective for Messi’s development.
The effective therapy contributed to Messi’s development, leading to a career that later achieved international glory.

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Story summary

FC Barcelona agreed to cover Lionel Messi (footballer)’s growth-hormone treatment when he was a teenager.
The agreement, written on a napkin, contained a clause obligating Barcelona to pay for the therapy.
Newell’s Old Boys refused to fund the treatment, deeming it too risky.
Barcelona’s payment enabled the therapy, which proved effective for Messi’s development.
The effective therapy contributed to Messi’s development, leading to a career that later achieved international glory.