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Barcelona Prepares a Lasting Tribute that Will Ensure Lionel Messi Is Remembered Forever as the Club Honors Its Greatest Icon
Barcelona plans a statue honoring Messi’s legacy at Camp Nou, pending family approval and design, after fans and club seek a permanent tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
On Nov 14, 2025 Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced plans to erect a statue of Lionel Messi at Camp Nou as a permanent tribute outside the renovated stadium.
Following an unannounced Sunday visit, Messi, 38, toured Camp Nou, highlighting his 778 appearances, 672 goals, and 35 titles for Barcelona.
The board says the tribute requires family sign-off and Joan Laporta, Barcelona president, said, 'We are working on that', adding the statue design and timeline remain unfinalised.
Camp Nou's reopening on Friday with more than 20,000 fans and Lionel Messi's social media posts fuelled speculation of a tribute match, though Joan Laporta called a playing return unrealistic.
Laporta expects a formal tribute after Camp Nou construction completion and Barcelona presidential elections, while Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami, complicating any immediate return.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta said this Thursday that Leo Messi "should have a statue at Camp Nou", as part of the recognition and homage he hopes to give to the legendary '10' blue grana.