Camp Nou reopening: Will Barcelona honor Lionel Messi? Club president Joan Laporta shares update

As Barcelona prepares for a long-awaited return to the Camp Nou, questions abound—not only about permits, construction delays, and seating logistics, but also about a potential moment that could define the emotional heart of the club’s modern era.

Will there be a tribute to Lionel Messi? The question looms large over Barca’s plans for their homecoming. And while club president Joan Laporta remains measured in his responses, there’s an undeniable sense that something historic may be in the works.

In an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta addressed the delays surrounding the Camp Nou reopening, originally targeted for the Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 10. He explained that the plan was based on credible information at the time—information that unfortunately proved optimistic. “We had the information that the relevant licences would arrive in due time. In fact, we received the construction and activity licences, but not the first occupancy licence,” Laporta revealed.

This missing permit delayed the return, despite physical progress being visible to anyone near the stadium. The president emphasized that the City Council was cooperative, but strict. “We respect their decision. The Council is cooperative and understands this is a unique project. The Mayor himself told me this has a major impact on the city.”

Laporta added that work is now divided into three sub-phases to streamline progress and avoid further setbacks. While he declined to give an exact date for the return, he was confident that the team will play again at Camp Nou “as soon as possible.”

The Messi question: Tribute plans revealed

Midway through the interview, Laporta was asked directly about Lionel Messi, and whether the club’s most legendary figure could play a part in the stadium’s grand reopening. The president’s answer carried both hope and intrigue.

“Back then, throughout the final stage of Leo’s time at Barca, we always said it: The most beautiful thing would be to inaugurate the new Spotify Camp Nou with a tribute to Leo Messi,” Laporta said. “I’m sure the idea has reached his family — in fact, it’s already been discussed.”

“It’s something we’d be absolutely delighted about, but of course, it also depends on Leo and his family. I hope it happens. It would be really beautiful.”

Though Messi now plays in MLS with Inter Miami, the idea of seeing him return—even just symbolically—has stirred excitement among Barcelona fans worldwide. He still owns a home in the city, and many believe he would relish the chance to receive a proper farewell at the club where he became immortal.

More than just a tribute

Messi’s departure in 2021 was heartbreaking. A teary farewell, a press conference rather than a full stadium send-off—it left a sense of unfinished business between club and player. Laporta’s remarks suggest the club now wants to correct that, and possibly more.

As construction crews work on finishing the architectural marvel that Camp Nou is set to become, behind the scenes, there’s another project: healing old wounds and creating a symbolic reunion between Messi and his spiritual home.

The tribute, should it happen, would not just be ceremonial. It would serve as a closure for Messi’s legendary tenure, a signal to the world that even after exile, the greatest always find their way back home.