Overview
- Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club is working on a permanent statue of Messi outside the Spotify Camp Nou, with his family to be consulted on the design.
- Laporta reiterated that a playing return is unrealistic, steering away from speculation after Messi’s unannounced stadium visit and emotional message about hoping to return one day.
- Inter Miami’s October announcement of Messi’s contract extension through the 2028 MLS season underscores the barriers to any short-term reunion in Barcelona.
- The club is preparing a major tribute for Messi once stadium works are complete, with Laporta highlighting a future homage in front of a 105,000-capacity crowd.
- Local reports say some board members suspect political rivals benefited from the visit and that coach Hansi Flick opposes a nostalgia-driven loan, as Messi continued to draw huge crowds with Argentina’s training in Elche.