Barcelona [Spain], June 29 : Barcelona vice-president Elena Fort confirmed that a tribute to legendary footballer Lionel Messi, who served the club for 17 years in the senior team, will "definitely happen" once the renovations of their home stadium Camp Nou is done.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi served Barca from 2004-2021 in the senior side after some years in their youth and B and C sides. During his stint with the senior side, he scored 672 goals in 779 matches, as per clubs' official website. He parted ways with the club in 2021 after his contract ran out and could not be financed. Following that, he represented French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami in the USA.
During his stay with Barca, he won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles and seven Copa Del Rey alongside other accolades. Now for Inter Miami so far in 38 appearances, he has scored 31 goals in 38 appearances.
However, at 38 years of age, a return to Camp Nou as a player looks unlikely. However, fans could still get to see their beloved superstar in Barcelona colours in a special exhibition game once the renovation is over.
Fort told La Vanguardia, as quoted by Goal.com, "Leo Messi's tribute at Camp Nou must take place when the stadium is 100 per cent finished. It will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barca's history."
Barcelona are heading to Asia for their pre-season, before moving home for a Joan Gamper Trophy clash on August 10, which could against Cesc Fabregas' Como and their first fixture at Camp Nou.