Lionel Messi homecoming in the works: Barcelona aim to bring legendary player back from Inter Miami for Camp Nou reopening ceremony

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are planning to invite Messi back for a tribute during the grand reopening of the renovated Camp Nou. The club intend to stage the ceremony once the new roof installation is complete, which is expected to occur in the summer of 2026. Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, is viewed by the board as the central figure for the occasion.

Barcelona are undertaking major renovations of Camp Nou, with the full reopening of the stadium scheduled for the 2026-27 season. The tribute is seen as an official farewell and celebration for Messi, who departed the club in 2021 after 778 appearances, 672 goals, and 35 trophies. The club view the event as a key moment in reconnecting with its historic identity and fanbase and a special occasion to see both Lamine Yamal and him under the same roof.

Messi last played for Barcelona in May 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain. He is currently under contract with Miami and was part of the side that won the 2023 Leagues Cup, the club’s first major honour.

Barcelona will monitor the progress of the stadium renovation over the next year. If the roof installation is completed in the summer of 2026 as planned, the Messi tribute and reopening ceremony will take place in the 2026/27 season. If delayed, the event will be rescheduled to align with the full completion of the Camp Nou project.