Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, announced on Thursday that the club intends to erect a statue of Lionel Messi outside the newly renovated Camp Nou, as they prepare to honour their all-time leading scorer following his emotional return to the stadium.
Messi, 38, visited Barcelona on Sunday to tour the revamped ground for the first time since leaving in 2021.
He later shared on Instagram that he hoped to “return one day, and not just to say goodbye as a player.”
Speaking at a book presentation in Barcelona (via Reuters), Laporta revealed that the board has already considered a permanent tribute for the Argentine World Cup winner.
“Messi will always be linked to Barca, he knows that the doors are open for him. We have absolute respect for him, he deserves the best tribute,” Laporta said.
“He should have a statue at Spotify Camp Nou, like (Johan) Cruyff and (Laszlo) Kubala. He is one of those iconic players who have left their mark on us. We have discussed it at a meeting and are working on it. The family must agree, and all Barca fans would want it.”
Laporta previously ruled out the possibility of Messi returning to play for Barca, describing it as “unrealistic” due to the forward’s contract with MLS side Inter Miami, which he recently extended.
Messi joined Barca’s academy at 13 and went on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances, helping the team secure 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups over 21 years.
The Camp Nou, closed for nearly 900 days for renovations, reopened on Friday with an open training session attended by more than 20,000 fans.
Laporta said the club aims to host “the most beautiful tribute in the world” once the project is finished.
