# Barcelona Confirms ‘It Will Happen’: The Definitive Plan for a Lionel Messi Tribute

A definitive **Lionel Messi tribute** at a renovated Camp Nou has been confirmed by Barcelona’s institutional vice-president, Elena Fort, putting an end to years of speculation and giving fans the moment of closure they have craved since the icon’s tearful departure in 2021. The club has officially stated that plans are firmly in place to honour its greatest-ever player once the extensive stadium renovations are complete, ensuring Messi gets the farewell he never had.

The confirmation comes as a monumental relief to a fanbase that has watched their hero thrive from afar, first at Paris Saint-Germain and now at Inter Miami. Messi’s exit from his boyhood club was abrupt and emotional, a consequence of La Liga’s stringent financial regulations that made it impossible for Barcelona to register his new contract. The image of a devastated Messi at his farewell press conference remains etched in the memory of football lovers worldwide. Now, the club is committed to rewriting that final chapter with a celebration worthy of his unparalleled legacy.

Speaking to Catalan media, Elena Fort was unequivocal. “Leo Messi’s tribute at Camp Nou must take place when the stadium is 100% finished,” she stated. “It will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barca’s history.” This statement solidifies the club’s intention to create a historic event that will coincide with the grand reopening of their iconic home.

## The Grand Plan for the Lionel Messi Tribute

While specific details are still being formulated, the framework for the **Lionel Messi tribute** is intrinsically linked to the inauguration of the new Spotify Camp Nou. The stadium is currently undergoing a massive transformation as part of the ‘Espai Barça’ project, a complete overhaul designed to modernize the facilities and increase capacity. The club is tentatively scheduled to return to a partially opened Camp Nou later in 2024, but Fort’s comments suggest the full-scale tribute will wait until the project is fully realized, likely in 2025 or 2026, to maximize the spectacle.

### What Could the Tribute Look Like?

The most anticipated format for the event is a special exhibition match. A friendly between FC Barcelona and Messi’s current club, Inter Miami, is the most logical and emotionally resonant option. This would allow fans to see Messi grace the Camp Nou pitch one last time, wearing a different crest but receiving the adoration of the home crowd. Such a match would not only be a fitting tribute but also a global spectacle, drawing immense interest from fans and media across the world. It would provide the perfect stage for the club and its supporters to formally thank the Argentine for two decades of breathtaking football.

### A Legacy That Demands Celebration

The necessity of a grand farewell is underscored by Messi’s staggering list of achievements at Barcelona. His record is simply unmatched. Over 17 senior seasons, he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with an incredible 672 goals in 778 appearances. His trophy cabinet from his time in Catalonia includes:

* 10 La Liga titles
* 4 UEFA Champions League titles
* 7 Copa del Rey trophies
* 8 Spanish Super Cups
* 3 FIFA Club World Cups
* 3 UEFA Super Cups

Individually, he won six of his eight Ballons d’Or while representing the Blaugrana. The club’s identity in the 21st century was forged by his genius, and you can explore his full impact on the official FC Barcelona website. This history is precisely why a simple acknowledgement was never going to be enough.

### Barcelona’s Present and Future

While the club is planning to honour its past, it remains focused on the present and future under new manager Hansi Flick. Fort also touched upon the club’s current ambitions, including transfer targets. When asked about the potential signing of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, she remained coy but confident. “We’ll have the best team in the world, which in my opinion is the current one, and the sports department is working to ensure that all the players they want are there,” Fort commented. This highlights the delicate balance Barcelona is striking: building a new winning team while ensuring its most legendary figure receives the respect he is due.

The promise of a proper **Lionel Messi tribute** serves as a bridge between the club’s glorious past and its hopeful future. It’s a commitment to honouring a legacy that defines an era of football, providing a sense of closure for Messi and a moment of pure celebration for the fans who witnessed his magic firsthand. As the new Camp Nou rises, so too does the anticipation for the day the king returns home one last time. For more updates on this story and other breaking news, check back here, and find even more for more news across our site.