Joan Laporta has dropped a heartfelt bombshell, revealing his burning desire to stage an emotional farewell for Lionel Messi.
The reopening of the stadium, scheduled to welcome fans again soon, presents a unique opportunity for the club to properly recognize its greatest-ever player in front of the home crowd.
However, Laporta also admitted this moment could be complicated due to the complex relationship the club currently shares with the Argentine legend.
Laporta’s comments come shortly after Messi made a surprise, unannounced visit to the newly renovated Camp Nou—a first since leaving Barcelona in 2021.
The Argentine returned to the familiar grounds privately, reflecting on the deep connection he still feels with the club.
Laporta expressed a strong desire to have Lionel Messi present for the official reopening game, ideally featuring a tribute to celebrate the history and impact of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at the stadium he called home for so many years, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The club has received permission to open the stadium at a partial capacity of 23,000 fans, but is aiming for a higher attendance figure before the grand reopening.
Despite Laporta’s hopes, the president acknowledged that inviting Messi to such an event and organizing an official farewell might be challenging given the current tensions between him and the club’s leadership.
“Everything will boil down to the player’s relationship with Laporta,” the report said.
Nonetheless, Laporta confirmed that all efforts would be made to invite and accommodate Messi, underlining how much the club values the legend’s legacy.
Messi’s departure in 2021 was abrupt and left many fans longing for a proper send-off, especially since financial challenges prevented a traditional farewell.
Laporta’s vision is to finally offer Messi the recognition he deserves at the renovated Camp Nou—a moment that would bring a sense of closure and celebration for both the player and supporters.
As Barcelona moves closer to opening the new chapter of Camp Nou’s history, all eyes will be on whether Messi returns for a farewell that many feel has been long overdue.
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