Barca prepares to welcome Messi back to Camp Nou

Barcelona ruled out the possibility of signing Lionel Messi, but quietly prepared a grand tribute to the Argentine legend at Camp Nou.

Barcelona will pay tribute to Messi at Camp Nou.

According to European media, the prospect of Messi returning to European football is almost impossible. He still has a contract with Inter Miami until 2028, and his life in South Florida with his wife Antonela and three sons is very stable. Since leaving Barca in 2021, Messi spent two years playing football at PSG before moving to the US.

There has been speculation that Messi could return to Barca on loan to maintain his form for the 2026 World Cup. However, President Joan Laporta continues to deny this prospect. Speaking at the Foros de Vanguardia forum, he said: "I don't want to create controversy or feed unrealistic expectations. Leo will always be in the memory of Barca fans, but he has a contract with another club."

Laporta said Messi's testimonial match will take place as soon as Camp Nou fully reopens after the renovation: "A 105,000-seat Camp Nou where everyone pays tribute to what Messi has done for Barcelona would be beautiful."

He also revealed plans to erect a statue of Messi next to icons like Kubala, Johan Cruyff or Ronaldinho: "Leo defined an era, the greatest player in Barca's history."

Messi left Barca with 778 appearances, 672 goals, 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles. This weekend, he has the chance to add to his trophy haul when he takes Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup final against Vancouver.

Source: https://znews.vn/barca-chuan-bi-don-messi-tro-lai-camp-nou-post1608797.html