The echoes of Lionel Messi’s title as soon as once more stuffed the air at Camp Nou — or what stays of it for now. As Barcelona followers lastly stepped again into their partially renovated stadium for the primary time in over two years, president Joan Laporta reignited a promise that supporters have waited years to listen to fulfilled: a grand tribute to the best participant within the membership’s historical past.
Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou lastly feels actual. After greater than two years away, followers and gamers as soon as once more stepped onto the sacred grass of their dwelling — albeit surrounded by cranes, scaffolding, and half-finished stands. For a couple of hours on Friday morning, it wasn’t about development deadlines or funds; it was about nostalgia and renewal, in regards to the first glimpse of the longer term.
Within the stands, hundreds of supporters chanted as Lamine Yamal and his teammates took half in an open coaching session — the primary occasion on the half-finished stadium for the reason that reworking started in 2023. Amongst them, Joan Laporta watched proudly as historical past repeated itself in a brand new type.
The day started with emotion. Greater than 21,000 followers paid between $5.7 and $11.5 to attend the open session — a symbolic value for a symbolic second. Laporta referred to as it “a historic day”, describing the sight of followers again at Camp Nou as “a collective dream that has come true.” The Catalan membership at present holds a provisional license permitting 27,000 followers to enter the stadium, however hopes to increase that quantity to 45,000 later this month. “We hope to return absolutely on November 22 towards Athletic Membership,” he revealed, earlier than including cautiously, “That relies on the ultimate approval. However we’re prepared.”
From a sporting perspective, this marks an important turning level. Barcelona has been exiled on the Olympic Stadium since 2023, however the return dwelling may reignite a connection between gamers and followers that was misplaced within the years of transition. But, amid the development mud and nostalgia, the membership president’s phrases hinted at one thing extra profound — a second of closure all the world has been ready for.
Laporta’s long-awaited plan for Lionel Messi
Halfway by means of his remarks, Laporta revealed Barcelona’s long-term plan: a grand tribute to Lionel Messi on the absolutely accomplished Spotify Camp Nou, as soon as it reaches its new 105,000-seat capability.
The occasion, he defined, is not going to happen till the stadium’s full reopening in 2026, when development is lastly completed and the brand new Camp Nou could be inaugurated in model. “After all, I might love that,” Laporta stated. “It might be a lovely strategy to categorical our gratitude and recognition. As soon as the stadium reaches its new capability, we are able to set up the tribute he and the membership actually deserve.”
In accordance with Mundo Deportivo, the thought is for a huge tribute match — a symbolic reunion between Messi and the membership that outlined his profession. The occasion would serve not solely as a celebration but in addition as the emotional reconciliation between the Argentine icon and the president whose choices in 2021 compelled his painful exit.
Laporta went additional, saying he can be “honored to guide that tribute to Messi at Camp Nou”, however admitted the occasion may coincide with Barcelona’s subsequent presidential elections, scheduled between March and June 2026. “I don’t know if I’ll nonetheless be president then,” he stated with a smile, “but when I’m, it will be an honor.”
Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi
The farewell that by no means occurred
Messi’s departure in August 2021 stays one of the crucial emotional episodes in Barcelona’s fashionable historical past. Followers by no means acquired to say goodbye; sooner or later, their captain was merely gone — pushed out by monetary collapse and La Liga’s wage guidelines.
If all goes to plan, Barca’s grand reopening and Messi’s tribute will occur in late 2026, when the Spotify Camp Nou is absolutely full. The$1.7 billion renovation will flip it into Europe’s largest and most fashionable soccer enviornment, a becoming stage for a participant whose magic
