All eyes are on Lionel Messi and whether he will take part in the celebrations of the new and refreshed Spotify Camp Nou, now set to reopen.
Camp Nou has been a central part of the identity of FC Barcelona and has been under renovation since 2023, with the club playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the past two seasons while the renovations took place.
Fans have long awaited the return to Camp Nou, but the idea of Messi, the greatest player in the history of the club, taking part in the celebrations has people excited.
Messi’s 778 appearances, 672 goals, and 34 trophies with Barça alone solidify him in Barcelona’s history, but at the Camp Nou, he built many memories and moments we are likely to never forget.
Things have begun to materialize to suggest Messi will take part in the celebrations.
Catalunya Radio reported that Barcelona has received initial approvals from Messi’s camp regarding a tribute match during the 2026/27 season when the new Spotify Camp Nou is going to be fully complete (capacity of 105,000).
This match would be a tribute to the Argentine legend and would give fans and the club closure after losing him abruptly to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, something they weren’t completely at fault for, considering financial mismanagement.
While not the finalized details, the club intends to celebrate the legacy of Lionel Messi and hold a major event to help alleviate the tension between Messi and Joan Laporta (the club president).
The tribute match would mark a symbolic homecoming for Messi, now 38 and shining at Inter Miami.
Barcelona’s vice-president, Elena Fort, emphasized that any homage must occur when the stadium is fully finished, underscoring Messi’s status as Barça’s finest.
As the club prepares for a partial return in August 2025 for the Joan Gamper Trophy, the prospect of Messi gracing the fully renovated Camp Nou in 2026/27 offers fans hope for a fitting farewell to their icon.
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