For years, Barcelona and its devoted supporters have lived with a void that not even time may fully heal. Joan Laporta, the membership’s president, has spent a lot of his second tenure attempting to revive the soul of the membership — and meaning reconnecting with Lionel Messi, the person who outlined an period. Now, after months of hints and whispers, Laporta is lastly engaged on a grand tribute on the renovated Spotify Camp Nou in honor of Barcelona’s biggest ever participant. A potential date has even surfaced, although the membership prefers to maintain it underneath wraps for now, including to the rising anticipation surrounding this long-awaited reunion.
Messi’s tearful farewell in 2021 stays one of the painful chapters in Barcelona’s trendy historical past. His exit was not the results of ambition or disagreement, however of a monetary disaster that made his renewal inconceivable underneath La Liga’s wage cap. As Laporta admitted, the separation left deep scars on either side.
“We had an excellent relationship with Messi,” Laporta advised 3Cat. “After we didn’t renew his contract, it was broken, however we’ve managed to reconnect a bit. What we would like now’s to provide him the nice tribute he deserves.”
These phrases carry a weight solely time can measure. The Argentine moved to Catalonia at age 13 and went on to ship 672 targets, 778 appearances, and 35 titles, changing into the membership’s all-time chief in each targets and video games performed. His departure to Paris Saint-Germain marked the top of an period — one which, in line with Laporta, “didn’t finish the way in which anybody at Barca wished.”
Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi
Plans for tribute on the new Camp Nou
Barcelona’s dream of honoring Messi correctly has been intertwined with the membership’s formidable stadium renovation challenge. The Spotify Camp Nou, at the moment underneath redevelopment, will quickly reopen its doorways — and Laporta desires Messi to be a part of that historic second.
In line with membership vice-president Elena Fort, the tribute “should occur when the stadium is totally completed.” Whereas a partial reopening was anticipated for the Joan Gamper Trophy, the grand Messi occasion will wait till the complete challenge is full. Reviews from RAC1 and La Vanguardia counsel that the official plan is to carry a huge ceremony when the Camp Nou reaches full capability, which is able to exceed 104,000 spectators as soon as full.
Spotify Camp Nou in 2023
When would possibly it happen?
Contained in the membership, Laporta’s staff has been making ready the logistics for what may change into one of many grandest tributes in sports activities historical past. Early planning contains discussions a few particular exhibition match on the Camp Nou that includes Messi’s former teammates, in addition to performances, tributes, and fan-driven initiatives celebrating his profession.
As per The Touchline on X, it’s scheduled to happen within the latter a part of summer season 2026, when the stadium can accommodate 104,000 spectators. Nonetheless, no formal invitation has been prolonged to Messi’s camp. As journalist Roger Saperas (RAC1) revealed, “to this point, the participant’s representatives haven’t been contacted by Barcelona, although the membership stays intent on making it occur.”
