Barcelona Unveils Plans to Honor Lionel Messi with Statue and Special Tribute
Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has stated he will only consider organizing a tribute for legendary striker Lionel Messi after his contract with Inter Miami concludes.
Club leadership has long lamented their inability to properly honor Messi following his unexpected departure in summer 2021, though the possibility of a return in some form has gained momentum after his surprising appearance at Camp Nou late last year.
Laporta has intentions to honor Messi—provided he wins re-election as president—but confirmed these plans will only be implemented in 2028 when Messi's Miami contract ends. "I believe that would be perfect," Laporta acknowledged.
"It would be magnificent to witness, considering everything he's contributed to Barça, and I also want to mention that Barça has provided him with much. I believe the statue and the tribute represent what he merits."
Will Lionel Messi Return to Barcelona?
Will Lionel Messi Return to Barcelona?
When Messi appeared on the Camp Nou pitch in November, it sparked widespread rumors about a potential comeback, as did an interview where he expressed his wish to return to Barcelona permanently in the future.
There were even reports that Messi, who had just signed a contract extension with Miami days before, would return as a player for the remainder of the current season—rumors which were quickly dismissed.
The truth is Messi's playing days at Barcelona are almost definitely finished, but the possibility of a non-playing position down the road remains very much possible.
Messi has dismissed becoming a manager or coach but has openly expressed his interest in a leadership role focused on youth player development. Barcelona will, most likely, create a position for the Argentine regardless of the current organizational setup.
Nevertheless, like the planned tribute and statue, that will only happen once he retires from playing with Miami.
Even regarding the current presidential race, Messi is reportedly actively staying away from the situation, despite candidate Victor Font's recent assertion of having a reunion strategy that "thrills" Messi.
In fact, Messi is not anticipated to participate in the elections, concerned about the inevitable impact his influence would have on a decision which he understands must benefit the entire club. His attention remains on the future, when a return to Barcelona seems to be planned.