The renovation of Camp Nou is entering its final phase, with FC Barcelona preparing to unveil what is set to become one of the most advanced and iconic soccer stadiums in the world. For such a monumental occasion, reports suggest the club is eager to honor Lionel Messi with a special tribute with the legend present at the ceremony.
The project began in June 2023, forcing Barcelona to temporarily relocate to the Montjuic Olympic Stadium. After investing hundreds of millions of euros into the redevelopment, the club is determined to make the stadium’s inauguration a once-in-a-lifetime event for its fans.
The most pressing task ahead is completing the installation of the new stadium roof. According to the project timeline, the roof is expected to be finished by the summer of 2026. If completed on schedule, a major event is expected to mark the return to Camp Nou.
As Spanish outlet Sport reports, Barcelona are planning a tribute to Messi as part of the stadium’s inauguration, targeting the 2026–27 season opener and the Joan Gamper Trophy in August 2026. The club aims to honor its greatest-ever player alongside the unveiling of one of the most ambitious architectural projects in soccer history.
However, according to Catalan outlet Esports RAC1, sources close to Messi claim he has not had any contact with the club regarding the event. While Barca hope to have him there, no formal proposal or communication has been made.
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Since Joan Laporta returned as president and Messi’s abrupt departure in 2021, the club has yet to properly honor the Argentine icon, who has often expressed his deep connection to both the club and the city. A return to play seems unlikely with Messi currently at Inter Miami, but a tribute at the unveiling of Camp Nou would stand as a symbolic gesture on par with his legacy.
Barcelona’s stadium of the future
Camp Nou was originally inaugurated in September 1957 after a three-year construction effort, opening with a capacity of 99,053 and becoming one of the largest stadiums in the world. With the current renovation also projected to span three years, Barcelona are aiming to deliver a next-generation facility designed for the modern era.
Among the most significant upgrades is an increased capacity of 105,000, which will involve demolishing and rebuilding the stadium’s third tier. Additionally, a 30,000-square-meter roof outfitted with solar panels will be installed, allowing the venue to meet its energy needs through renewable sources.
Outside the stadium, the club is also constructing a hotel, office complexes, an ice rink, and a new Palau Blaugrana arena for basketball. The massive scale of the project has driven the estimated cost to approximately €1.45 billion, making it one of the most expensive and ambitious stadium redevelopments in soccer history.
