Barcelona are planning a big celebration to mark their return to the Nou Camp stadium in 2026 — and they want Lionel Messi to be a part of it.
The club has been playing away from home since 2023 due to major renovation works. The updated stadium will have a new roof, more seats, and modern VIP sections. When completed, it will be the largest stadium in Europe, with space for 105,000 fans.
During the renovation, Barcelona have been playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, about three miles away from the Nou Camp.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the club is planning to invite Messi to take part in the official reopening event, along with other club legends. The event is expected to take place during the 2026–27 football season, once all upgrades are finished.
So far, no official contact has been made with Messi. However, Barcelona are said to be hopeful that their most famous player will agree to return for the occasion.
Messi left the club in 2021 after financial issues prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.
Barcelona are expected to play their first match back at the Nou Camp next month for the annual Joan Gamper Trophy. However, work on the stadium will continue until next summer.
The club sees Messi as the face of its modern history and want to give him a special role in the return to their famous home ground.
Fans around the world will be watching to see if Messi accepts the invite — and returns to the stadium where he made history.
