Barcelona fans are eagerly looking forward to a major moment in the summer of 2026, as the club gets ready to unveil its newly renovated stadium with a ceremony that could become one of the most memorable in its recent history.
Amid the growing excitement, one name stands out—a symbol of the club’s most successful era. Yet, despite mounting speculation, it’s unclear whether this legendary figure will be part of the event, casting uncertainty over what should be a unifying and celebratory occasion.
All indications point to the club’s intent to honor one particular football legend. However, in an unexpected development, this icon has not yet received a formal invitation.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Barcelona’s leadership has told the media of its plan to invite Lionel Messi to the grand reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou, making him the focal point of the summer celebration. Although the idea of celebrating Messi has come up multiple times since his painful departure in 2021, it has yet to be realized.
Despite the public statements of intent, Marca confirms that no official contact has been made with the Argentine star—a detail that could jeopardize the tribute altogether. People close to Messi suggest that he would not respond to a purely symbolic or media-driven gesture unless it is conveyed formally and respectfully.
A key obstacle remains Messi’s strained relationship with club president Joan Laporta. The two have reportedly not spoken since Messi’s tearful exit, a situation made more complex by Messi’s own words: “The problem was never with Barcelona… it was with the management.”
Although Laporta has expressed a desire to reconcile and even hinted at including Messi in the club’s 125th anniversary celebration, no formal invitation was ever sent. Messi ended up contributing a pre-recorded video, which many saw as a distant and impersonal gesture.
As it stands, the issue of properly honoring Messi remains unresolved. While he has often expressed his love for the club and its supporters, the absence of an official approach raises doubts about whether the tribute will happen at all.
Will Laporta extend a proper invitation before the moment passes?
And will fans see their greatest ever player return to Camp Nou—not for a match, but for a celebration?
The next few weeks may reveal the answer.
