Report: Lionel Messi hasn’t spoken with Barcelona about possible tribute at new Camp Nou

Lionel Messi’s camp has reportedly responded to reports of a potential tribute from Barcelona.

After FC Barcelona vice-president Elena Fort hinted at plans for a tribute to Lionel Messi during the reopening of the new Camp Nou, new reports suggest those plans may not be as certain as they initially seemed.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, Fort stated that a tribute to Messi “must take place when the stadium is 100% finished” and affirmed that “it will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barça’s history.” However, according to Messi’s camp, no contact has been made.

Journalist Roger Saperas of RAC1 reports that Messi’s entourage says there has been no communication with Barcelona regarding a return for the Camp Nou inauguration. While the club is hopeful he will be involved, no official proposal has been made.

Since Messi’s departure from Barcelona, the idea of a tribute has been raised several times. Still, a reunion has never taken shape, despite the Argentine’s public expressions of support for his former club.

Camp Nou has been closed since the end of the 2022–23 season as major renovation work continues on the historic stadium. There is growing optimism, however, that a limited-capacity version could be ready to host the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10.

Camp Nou is expected to be completed next year

The full completion of Camp Nou is expected next year. Fort has stated that she hopes the stadium will be ready by summer 2026. “I think that by the summer of 2026, we’ll be able to say the stadium is finished. Visually, it won’t be 100% complete, as the roof covering will still need to be closed. But everything else will be done,” she explained.

Messi left Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s severe financial issues, which prevented them from registering the contract they had agreed upon. He departed as the club’s all-time leader in appearances (778), goals (672), and trophies (35). Because his final match was played behind closed doors during the pandemic, many believe a proper tribute is long overdue.

From: bolavip.com