FC Barcelona plans Messi tribute match at renovated Camp Nou

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed plans to organize a tribute match for Lionel Messi once the renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou is complete. The club aims to host the ceremony in front of a capacity crowd of nearly 105,000 spectators, potentially between late 2027 and early 2028. Laporta noted that the final decision regarding the ceremony rests with Messi himself.

The announcement comes amid discussions regarding the complex relationship between the club and its former star. Former manager Xavi Hernández revealed that negotiations for Messi to return to the club in 2023 were active for four months, but the move was ultimately blocked by Laporta despite interest from Messi and the coaching staff.

Laporta also addressed the club's institutional challenges during a general assembly, criticizing rivals for their financial advantages and emphasizing the need for Barcelona to maintain growth and stability through its current infrastructure projects.