Barcelona President Joan Laporta has announced plans to organise a grand tribute for Lionel Messi once the club completes the renovation of Camp Nou, underlining the Argentine superstar’s eternal legacy at the Catalan club
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Laporta confirmed that the club is already working on ideas to celebrate Messi’s contribution to Barcelona’s golden era once the Spotify Camp Nou, currently under redevelopment, is officially reopened for fans next year
Laporta’s Statement
“Lionel Messi’s tribute will be one of the most emotional moments in the history of FC Barcelona. We owe him everything for what he has given this club and the sport itself. The new Camp Nou will be his home forever.”
Camp Nou Renovation Details
Barcelona began renovations of Camp Nou in 2023 as part of the Espai Barça project, aimed at modernising the stadium to increase revenue, enhance fan experience, and maintain competitiveness with Europe’s elite clubs
| Project Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Espai Barça |
| Renovation Start Year | 2023 |
| Expected Completion | 2026 |
| Total Capacity Post-Renovation | 105,000 (approx.) |
| Cost Estimate | €1.5 billion |
| Key Upgrades | New roof, hospitality suites, modern seating, digital integration, eco-friendly design |
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Legacy
Messi spent 21 years at FC Barcelona, arriving as a teenager from Rosario, Argentina, in 2000. He made his first-team debut in 2004 and went on to become the club’s greatest ever player
| Messi’s Barcelona Career Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 17 (2004-2021) |
| Matches | 778 |
| Goals | 672 |
| Assists | 305 |
| Trophies Won | 35 |
| Ballon d’Or Wins (as Barcelona player) | 6 |
Messi’s Trophy Breakdown with Barcelona
| Competition | Titles Won |
|---|---|
| La Liga | 10 |
| Copa del Rey | 7 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 8 |
| UEFA Champions League | 4 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 3 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
Proposed Tribute Ideas
While final details are yet to be officially unveiled, Barcelona sources indicated the club is considering:
- A dedicated Messi statue outside Camp Nou’s main gate
- Naming the new training ground area or part of the stadium after Messi
- A Messi museum zone within the Camp Nou tour route featuring memorabilia, shirts, trophies, and interactive VR experiences of his goals
- A testimonial match featuring Barcelona legends, current squad, and Messi’s close teammates globally
Fans’ Reaction
Barcelona fans globally welcomed Laporta’s announcement with widespread support
- @BarcaForever: “Messi deserves a statue taller than the stadium itself. He gave us everything.”
- @CuleAnalysis: “No tribute will ever be enough for Messi’s legacy, but this is a beautiful start.”
- @MessiEra: “Waiting for that day when we can chant his name together at Camp Nou again.”
Camp Nou Renovation Progress Update
| Construction Milestone | Status (June 2025) |
|---|---|
| Demolition of old roof | Completed |
| Ground level excavation | Completed |
| Foundation work for new stands | Completed |
| Installation of support beams | In progress |
| Roof installation | To start Q4 2025 |
| Seating and hospitality fit-outs | To start Q1 2026 |
| Digital integration and screens | Final stage 2026 |
Laporta on Messi’s Return
Laporta also addressed previous attempts to re-sign Messi after his departure to PSG and later to Inter Miami
“We wanted him back, but circumstances in terms of finances and MLS contracts made it impossible. But Messi knows Barcelona is his home forever.”
Messi’s Current Status
At 37, Messi continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, having recently faced PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-finals, where his team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat. Despite the result, his global following remains unparalleled, with shirt sales, TV viewership, and stadium attendances surging wherever he plays
**Pivot Table: Messi’s Post-Barcelona Career Overview
| Club | Years | Matches | Goals | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 2021-2024 | 75 | 32 | 3 |
| Inter Miami | 2024-present | 38 | 21 | 0 |
Why This Tribute Matters
Football historians emphasise that Barcelona’s brand growth and global success in the 21st century are inseparable from Messi’s brilliance on the pitch. The Argentine star helped Barcelona
- Win the treble twice (2008-09, 2014-15)
- Achieve unprecedented domestic dominance under Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Valverde
- Elevate club revenue streams through commercial deals and global merchandising
Expert Comment
Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol told Marca
“This tribute is not just for a player, it is for an era that redefined football. Messi was and is football’s poetry.”
Future Timeline for Tribute
| Phase | Expected Period | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tribute planning committee formation | Q3 2025 | Finalise tribute concept and design |
| Public design unveiling | Q4 2025 | Club presentation to fans |
| Construction / installation | Early 2026 | Statue, museum, naming formalities |
| Official inauguration | Camp Nou reopening 2026 | Messi’s tribute ceremony |
Final Analysis
Barcelona’s decision to honour Messi ensures his bond with the club and city remains immortalised for future generations. While fans wait for the new Camp Nou’s grand opening, the emotional high point will undoubtedly be the moment Messi returns to the pitch where he created unforgettable memories, this time as an eternal legend being honoured by the club he gave his life to
