Overview

• Barcelona has announced plans for a high-profile tribute to Lionel Messi at the start of the 2026–27 season to inaugurate the fully renovated Camp Nou.
• The homage is intended to serve as a gesture of reconciliation between Messi and club president Joan Laporta following the star’s stormy 2021 departure.
• Finalizing the stadium’s new roof by summer 2026 is critical to hosting the tribute as scheduled, with any delay forcing the club to postpone Messi’s appearance.
• Renovations will expand Camp Nou’s capacity to 105,000 seats, building on a reduced 30,000-seat test opening for this summer’s Joan Gamper Trophy.
• Messi’s participation in the ceremony remains subject to his agreement following his departures to PSG and Inter Miami since 2021.