Barcelona president Joan Laporta has recently announced the club’s intention to honor their former player Lionel Messi with a statue at the new Camp Nou stadium. As the Spanish giants gear up for their return to the iconic venue, which has been undergoing renovations since 2023, plans are in motion to immortalize Messi in bronze.
The revelation came after Messi was spotted inside the stadium at night, catching everyone by surprise. Laporta confirmed that discussions are underway to create a design for the statue, with the approval of Messi’s family being a crucial step in the process.
Having joined Barcelona as a young teenager from Newell’s Old Boys, Messi went on to achieve legendary status at the club. Scoring a remarkable 672 goals and providing 303 assists in 778 appearances, he became the greatest player in Barcelona’s history.
In 2021, financial constraints forced Messi to depart Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite his desire to return to the Nou Camp two years later, the club was unable to secure the necessary funds. Messi’s recent visit to the stadium marked his first return since leaving the club, accompanied by Rodrigo De Paul.
In a heartwarming gesture, Barcelona’s rivals Elche paid tribute to Messi during an open training session at their stadium. With over 20,000 fans in attendance, the Argentine star received a personalized jersey from the club, showcasing their respect for his illustrious career.
Despite having faced Elche numerous times during his Barcelona tenure, where he scored seven goals and provided four assists in just five matches, Messi was warmly welcomed by the fans. Every touch and pass by the Inter Miami player was met with cheers and appreciation from the Elche faithful.
As Messi and his Argentine teammates gear up for an international friendly against Angola, the 38-year-old continues to receive accolades and admiration for his contributions to the sport. With plans for a statue at the new Camp Nou in motion, Messi’s legacy at Barcelona is set to be immortalized for generations to come.
