FC Barcelona is dreaming of having Lionel Messi as the main figure in the grand reopening of the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The club board is determined to pay tribute to the greatest player in its history during the official inauguration of the new stadium a plan that also depends on the willingness of the Argentine star, according to sources within the organization.

A Farewell Still Pending

Messi left the club in the summer of 2021 due to the financial difficulties facing Barça at the time. His departure was sudden and lacked the proper farewell, leaving an emotional wound for both the player and the fans. After a stint with Paris Saint-Germain, the Rosario-born forward joined Inter Miami, where he currently plays alongside former Barça teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.

For this reason, the club feels it owes a tribute to its greatest legend and wants to give him the farewell he deserves, in the very stadium where he wrote the most glorious chapters of his career.

A Historic Tribute

Barça intention is to organize the tribute once the stadium's renovation is fully completed. According to the current schedule, if the works progress as planned and the roof is installed during the summer of 2026, the tribute ceremony would take place during the 2026/27 season.

The revamped Spotify Camp Nou, which will already host this summer Joan Gamper Trophy with a reduced capacity of 30,000 spectators, is expected to be completed at the start of the 2026/27 season. With the installation of the new roof, the full capacity of 105,000 seats will be reached. If the roof cannot be completed by next summer, the club would postpone the ceremony until the stadium is 100% finished. The goal is for the return to the Camp Nou to be a true blaugrana celebration.

A Timeless Legacy

Lionel Messi played for Barça for 17 seasons, winning 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey trophies, and 8 Spanish Super Cups. He also lifted 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups.

There is no doubt: FC Barcelona wants to reopen its home with its greatest idol present celebrating not only a new era for the club, but also the immense legacy of their eternal No. 10.