Barcelona President Unveils Epic Camp Nou Shrine to Honor Messi's Legacy
Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has announced that the club is currently in discussions to construct a statue honoring Lionel Messi at the renovated Camp Nou stadium.
Messi surprised his former club with an unexpected visit to their upgraded venue last week. It was later revealed that Barcelona had no prior knowledge of his intentions, as Messi made a brief detour to inspect the ongoing construction at Camp Nou before joining the Argentina national team.
While sharing details of his stadium visit, Messi stated on social media that he wished to return to the club "beyond just being a player" for an official farewell ceremony, which he was unable to have due to how his 2021 departure from Barcelona unfolded.
In a follow-up interview, Messi expressed his longing to come back to Barcelona city, though the possibility of a transfer to Hansi Flick's team has been downplayed.
Rather than pursuing immediate options, Barcelona is adopting a strategic long-term vision for Messi's eventual return. A commemorative ceremony is anticipated once Camp Nou's reconstruction is finished, but meanwhile, Laporta is eager to establish a statue celebrating the club's most legendary player.
"We are actively pursuing this project," Laporta stated regarding a Messi statue on Thursday. "He deserves a statue at Spotify Camp Nou, similar to [Johan] Cruyff and [László] Kubala. He represents one of those legendary figures who have made an indelible impact on our club. We have addressed this in meetings and are moving forward with it.
"The family's consent is necessary. Once we determine the appropriate timing and finalize the statue's design, we will present our proposal.
"As Barcelona supporters, we would be thrilled to have a statue celebrating Lionel Messi in our new stadium, alongside all other Barça icons."
Barcelona's Plans for Full Lionel Messi Tribute
"Messi will forever remain connected to Barça, and he understands that our doors remain open to him," Laporta added. "We hold complete admiration for him, and he merits the finest tribute possible."
Beyond the statue proposal, Barcelona's arrangements for an official Messi tribute have remained unclear until now. Laporta has verified his intention to invite the Argentine star to a ceremony once the construction project concludes in 2026.
This tribute ceremony will presumably occur following Barcelona's presidential elections, which are anticipated before the current season ends. Laporta is prepared to organize a Messi tribute if he continues in office, but should a new president be elected, that incoming leader would need to approve any such event.