Lionel Messi remains a sacred figure in the FC Barcelona universe. After 17 years of success, trophies, and unforgettable moments, the Catalan club still has unfinished business with the Argentine star: to give him a tribute worthy of his legacy. That moment may finally come with the official inauguration of the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, scheduled for the summer of 2026.

All about Barcelona's tribute to Messi

For months, Barcelona's board, led by vice president Elena Fort, has hinted at the idea of bringing Messi back to the stadium where he became a legend. The goal is to organize a special match to honor him during the full reopening of the new Camp Nou. However, there is still no confirmed date or direct contact with the player's camp.

Fort stated that the tribute "must happen when the stadium is completely finished," and while a partial reopening is expected for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10 of this year, the major event with Messi as the star would be delayed until the full completion of the works in 2026.

So far, Messi has not received any formal invitation. Journalist Roger Saperas from RAC1 reported that the player's representatives have not been contacted by the club, despite Barcelona’s expressed desire to include him in the event. In the meantime, the Argentine continues his career with Inter Miami, alongside former teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.

Messi left Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial crisis, which prevented the renewal of his contract. He departed as the club’s all-time greatest player: 778 matches, 672 goals, and 35 titles, including four Champions League trophies and ten La Liga titles.

The club acknowledges that Messi’s exit occurred without a proper public farewell, as it happened during the pandemic, and they now aim to make up for it with a ceremony that reunites him with the fans in a packed stadium. With the new Camp Nou projected to hold 105,000 spectators, the tribute promises to be as monumental as Messi’s career with the club.

Meanwhile, the number 10 continues to expand his legacy off the pitch. He recently became a shareholder in the Argentine restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa, combining his love for food and his national identity. He also continues to shine in MLS, recently being named man of the match after scoring two goals against the New England Revolution.

All signs point to the long-awaited farewell between Messi and Barcelona finally happening — with a full stadium, a roaring crowd, and the tribute that fans have been dreaming of.