Laporta reflects on failed Messi return, confirms tribute plans: ‘Didn’t happen because he made another decision’

Laporta reflects on failed Messi return, confirms tribute plans: ‘Didn’t happen because he made another decision’ Answering a question from a club member at today’s General Assembly, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that there will be a tribute for former captain Lionel Messi in the future. This comes after reports emerged that there were no plans underway to honour the club legend due to the broken relationship between himself and the current administration. Messi left Barça back in the summer of 2021, leaving as a free agent after the club opted not to renew his contract due to Financial Fair Play limitations. Laporta on Messi’s situation After spending two years at PSG, the Argentina captain was again a free agent and could have returned to the Catalan club, but the move ultimately did not materialise and he ended up moving to Inter Miami in the USA. Messi left Barcelona in 2021. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) And Laporta claimed that the reunion did not happen because the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner decided otherwise and that the club continue to plan for a tribute once the Spotify Camp Nou is completely ready and at full capacity. “As we’ve already said, when the stadium is finished, we’ll hold a tribute for him. There was the option of him spending a year with us, but he made another decision. We’re delighted to hold a tribute,” Laporta said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . Tribute in 2029? The Barça president also offered his condolences to Messi over the recent demise of his father before insisting that the club remains ready and willing to hold a tribute event for the legend. “I want to offer my sincere condolences on the death of his father. We are at his disposal. It will be finished in early 2028, once the 105,000-seat capacity is reached,”  he stated. Barcelona intend to hold a tribute event for Messi in 2028. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) As per the current plans, the Spotify Camp Nou is expected to be fully ready and at complete capacity at the start of the 2028/29 season, with the roof installation expected to take place in 2027. Should the timeline hold without any delays, the Catalans will host a mammoth 105,000 fans in the stadium, and that is when they intend to hold a tribute for the greatest player to have represented the club. There is still the need for a green light from Messi and his camp, but Barcelona insist the plans remain in place.