Barcelona supporters have spent the past few weeks swept up in renewed excitement around the club’s future, with fresh developments at the revamped Camp Nou creating a wave of optimism across Catalonia.
Talk among fans continues to centre on the stadium’s partial reopening, which drew more than 20 000 supporters eager to witness the new era beginning to take shape.
The return of iconic figures to tour the refurbished ground has only fuelled anticipation over how the club will continue honouring its greatest legends in the months ahead.
Speculation around upcoming tributes has dominated local discussion, particularly as club officials hint at more historic recognitions on the horizon.
With Camp Nou’s transformation still unfolding, Barcelona’s hierarchy appear determined to celebrate the club’s past while setting a bold course for its future.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed on Thursday that the club is planning to erect a statue of Lionel Messi outside the newly renovated Camp Nou, marking a monumental tribute to their all-time leading scorer after his emotional visit to the stadium.
Lionel Messi, 38, made his return to Barcelona on Sunday to tour the revamped ground for the first time since his departure in 2021, later sharing on Instagram that he hoped to “return one day, and not just to say goodbye as a player.”
Laporta revealed during a book presentation in Barcelona that the board has already begun formal discussions about creating a permanent tribute to the Argentine World Cup winner.
“Messi will always be linked to Barca, he knows that the doors are open for him.
“We have absolute respect for him, he deserves the best tribute,” he said.
“He should have a statue at Spotify Camp Nou, like (Johan) Cruyff and (Laszlo) Kubala.
“He is one of those iconic players who have left their mark on us.
“We have discussed it at a meeting and are working on it.
“The family must agree, and all Barca fans would want it.”
Despite persistent speculation from supporters hoping for a sensational late-career reunion, Laporta has previously dismissed the idea of Messi returning to play for Barcelona, calling the prospect “unrealistic” due to his contract with MLS side Inter Miami, which he extended last month.
Messi’s legacy at Barcelona remains unmatched, having joined the club’s academy at 13 before scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances and guiding the team to 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups over 21 unforgettable years.
The Camp Nou, which had been closed for almost 900 days during its extensive renovation, reopened on Friday with an open training session attended by more than 20 000 fans.
Laporta added that the club hopes to host “the most beautiful tribute in the world” once the full stadium project is completed, ensuring the Argentine icon receives the honour Barcelona believe he deserves.
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