Barcelona are reportedly planning their biggest tribute to Lionel Messi - permanently adding his name to the stadium Camp Nou.
As per a report by MARCA, the club is seriously thinking about renaming their famous ground in honour of the Argentine superstar.
This idea has picked up momentum more after Messi’s recent visit to the under-construction Camp Nou, where he visited and renewed conversations about giving him a proper farewell match in the Barcelona jersey.
Also Read | Nigeria crashes out after DR Congo win 4–3 in penalty shootout
According to MARCA, one option being discussed is “Spotify Camp Nou Leo Messi” — a name that keeps the current sponsorship while making Messi’s legacy a permanent part of the stadium.
The reason behind this huge gesture is simple: Barcelona wants to honour Messi while he is still playing, not years later. Club officials also see this as a way to heal the pain from his difficult 2021 exit, when financial problems forced him to leave despite all he had given the club.
Many in the current board believe that renaming the stadium would be the strongest step towards reconciliation, because Messi isn’t just another star, he helped deliver four Champions League titles and built an era of dominance that may never be repeated.
Barcelona are also thinking about other honours, like a statue similar to the ones for Johan Cruyff and Ladislao Kubala. But insiders believe adding Messi’s name to the stadium feels like the most natural and significant tribute.
However, this decision won’t be easy. Since Barcelona is owned by its members, the proposal must be approved by the socios, who make the final call on big structural changes.
Also Read | Messi arrived at Camp Nou without informing the Barca authorities
Early reports from Catalan media suggest that most members would support it. Given Messi’s massive impact on the club, it seems unlikely that the idea would be rejected.
Nothing is confirmed yet, but if the reports are true, the new Camp Nou may soon carry the name of the player who turned it into a symbol of beautiful football.
