Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced that the club plans to install a statue of Lionel Messi outside the revamped Camp Nou. The decision follows Messi’s emotional visit to the stadium.
Messi, 38, toured the new facility on Sunday. He left the club in 2021 and later wrote on Instagram that he hopes to return one day, not just to say goodbye.
Laporta said at a book event that the board has already discussed creating a permanent tribute. He believes Messi deserves a statue like Johan Cruyff and László Kubala. The club will move forward once Messi’s family agrees.
Laporta also said it is unrealistic for Messi to play for Barcelona again, especially after he extended his contract with Inter Miami.
Messi joined Barcelona at 13 and spent 21 years with the club, scoring 672 goals in 778 games and winning major titles, including 10 LaLiga trophies and four Champions Leagues.
Camp Nou reopened on Friday after almost 900 days of renovation. More than 20,000 fans attended an open training session. Laporta said the club hopes to hold “the most beautiful tribute in the world” once the work is complete.
