Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly keen on inviting Lionel Messi for the official reopening of Camp Nou. The Argentine superstar visited the stadium on Sunday, November 9, just hours after Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win over Nashville SC.

According to a report in Mundo Deportivo, Laporta hopes to have Messi back at Camp Nou for the reopening. Barcelona wants to play their game against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, November 22, at the renovated stadium but are yet to secure the necessary permit. Currently, they have approval to host matches with 23,000 fans, but the club is hoping to increase that number to 45,000.

The renovation of Camp Nou is still ongoing, with plans for the stadium to eventually hold over 100,000 fans. Earlier this season, Laporta spoke to the media about inviting Messi back and said:

“Of course I’d love that. It would be a beautiful way to show gratitude and recognition. When we reach 100,000 capacity, we’ll be able to hold the tribute he, the club, and everything we achieved together deserve. But it probably won’t happen before the end of 2026, since that’s when club elections will take place. I don’t know if I’ll still be president then, but if I am, I’d be very happy to lead Messi’s tribute at the stadium.”

Messi surprised fans on Monday, November 10, by posting about his recent visit to Camp Nou on Instagram. He wrote:

“Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to.”

The Argentine last played at Camp Nou in 2021, during a match against Celta Vigo. He left Barcelona at the end of the 2020/21 season, joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer after the Catalan club could not renew his contract.

### Lionel Messi Snubbed Move Back to Barcelona in 2023

Barcelona were eager to re-sign Lionel Messi in 2023 after his contract with PSG expired. The Argentine was open to returning, but the club’s ongoing financial crisis prevented a deal from materializing.

Messi was a free agent during the summer transfer window and received offers from Inter Miami and the Saudi Pro League. Ultimately, he chose to join the MLS side, admitting he turned down a return to Camp Nou despite Barcelona’s interest.

Lionel Messi has now extended his deal with Inter Miami until 2028, continuing his career in Major League Soccer.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-after-lionel-messi-makes-surprise-visit-camp-nou-barcelona-president-joan-laporta-s-stance-inviting-stadium-reopening-revealed-reports