Barcelona confirm plan for Lionel Messi tribute when Camp Nou renovation is complete

Barcelona vice-president Elena Fort has confirmed a tribute for Lionel Messi “will definitely happen” when the Camp Nou’s renovation is finally completed.

The Catalans are heading back to their famous stadium in time for the Joan Gamper Trophy and are hoping to play the 2025-26 back at their old home.

Fort has been talking about the situation and was quizzed if Messi will be in attendance for the stadium’s grand re-opening which looks set to take place next year.

“Leo Messi’s tribute at Camp Nou must take place when the stadium is 100% finished. It will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barça’s history,” Fort told La Vanguardia.

“Life isn’t 100% predictable; there’s always the possibility of something happening. But we’re focused on returning on August 10th.

“I think we’ll be able to say the stadium is finished by the summer of 2026. Visually, it won’t be 100% finished; the roof will still need to be closed. But everything will be there.”

A tribute to Messi is long overdue by Barcelona, not least because of a breakdown in relations with Joan Laporta, but does finally appear to be edging closer.