FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club is planning to honour its greatest-ever player, Lionel Messi, with a statue outside the newly renovated Camp Nou. This news comes after Messi recently visited the stadium for the first time since leaving in 2021, expressing his hope to one day return.
The plan to build a statue is a significant gesture, showing the deep respect and lasting bond between Messi and the club. While a return as a player seems unlikely due to his contract with Inter Miami, this tribute would permanently celebrate his legacy at the place he called home for over two decades. Laporta stated that the doors will always be open for Messi at Barça.
🏆 A Lasting Tribute for a Legend
Joan Laporta announced that the club’s board is actively working on the statue project. He believes Messi deserves a tribute on par with other club icons like Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala, who also have statues at the stadium. “Messi will always be linked to Barça,” Laporta said, emphasizing that he deserves the best tribute for his contributions.
📝 The Plan in Motion
The proposal has already been discussed in a board meeting, and the club is moving forward with the plans. However, the final approval will also involve Messi’s family. Laporta mentioned that he is confident all Barça fans would support this idea. The club aims to host “the most beautiful tribute in the world” for Messi once the Camp Nou renovation project is fully completed.
⚽ An Unforgettable Legacy
During his 21 years at Barcelona, Messi established himself as a football legend. He joined the club’s academy at just 13 years old and went on to score a record 672 goals in 778 appearances. His time at the club was filled with success, including 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns, and three Club World Cups, leaving a mark that will never be forgotten.
