When will Barcelona honour Messi? Laporta reveals long-awaited tribute plan

Joan Laporta president of FC Barcelona confirmed that the club still plans to hold special tribute ceremony for Lionel Messi but the event won't take place until the full reopening of the renovated Spotify Camp Nou which will seat 100000 fans once complete.

Speaking to Spanish media on Thursday, Laporta said the idea remains "very much alive" and that the celebration will reflect the magnitude of Messi’s contribution to Barcelona & world football.

"Of course I would love that .. it would be beautiful way to express our gratitude & recognition" Laporta said. "once the stadium reaches its new 100000-seat capacity, we can organise the tribute he and the club truly deserve"

He noted that the event is unlikely to happen before late 2026 coinciding with the next presidential elections scheduled between 15 March and 15 June 2026.

"I don’t know if I will still be president then" Laporta added, "but if I am, it would be an honour to lead that tribute to Messi at Camp Nou"

Laporta also revealed that Barcelona aim to return to Camp Nou by 22 November potentially hosting Athletic Bilbao if construction permits are finalised in time.

"We’ve been told the return could happen on November 22" he explained. "Once we receive the final licence, we’ll be ready to play our first official match there"

Laporta concluded by envisioning Barcelona hosting Champions League Final at the new Camp Nou by 2029 or 2030 saying it would be "a dream to see Barca win it here at home"

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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