Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, and their sporting director, Deco, have confirmed that there will be a farewell match to honor the legacy of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi after the renovations at Spotify Camp Nou are completed.
Messi departed Barcelona in tears in the summer of 2021, shortly after Laporta assumed the presidency for his second tenure with the Catalan club. At the time, Laporta had promised Messi that a contract extension was part of his campaign promise, but he couldn’t follow through due to financial fair play constraints.
The Argentine player subsequently joined PSG as a free agent. However, Messi was rumored to return to Barcelona as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain would expire this summer.
Nevertheless, Messi turned down multiple lucrative offers, including one from Al-Hilal and pleas from Barcelona fans, and chose to move to Inter Miami in the summer 2023 transfer window, achieving considerable success there.
While Messi has quashed rumors of playing under former coach and ex-teammate Xavi Hernandez on loan during the winter, after the MLS season concludes, the Argentine star is set to return to Camp Nou, as confirmed by Deco and Laporta.
Speaking to Brazil’s Lance newspaper, Deco confirmed a “farewell match” for Messi when the Spotify Camp Nou renovation is completed.
“Messi is always the greatest idol in Barca’s history. The club has had great idols like Cruyff and Ronaldo, but perhaps he is the greatest among them. He will surely play a farewell match with Barcelona, but we don’t know when. He is playing, and we hope he continues for many more years because those who love football and this sport will be happy to see him happy,” Deco stated.
However, during an El Matà de Catalunya radio appearance on Thursday, President Laporta attempted to provide two dates when Messi might appear.
“It would be great if Messi could participate in the opening match at Camp Nou. People have talked about that, and if it happens, it will be in June 2026, when the Spotify Camp Nou is completed. We will return in November 2024, which could also be an important day. Let’s see. We wish and hope it can be done,” said President Laporta.
