Barcelona not planning tribute for Messi; club relationship broken | OneFootball

Barcelona are currently not planning a tribute or farewell match for Lionel Messi, despite the club legend entering the final stages of his career.

According to information provided exclusively to Barça Universal by journalist Adrian Sanchez, there are no plans for Barcelona to organise an official tribute to Messi at present. 

The revelation comes against the backdrop of a relationship between the Argentine and the club’s board that remains deeply damaged.

Messi’s standing in Barcelona history is beyond question, but his departure in 2021 left a wound that has never fully healed.

Why Barcelona and Messi fell apart

Notably, the 2021 split was not a sporting decision. Barcelona were unable to renew Messi’s contract because of La Liga’s strict financial regulations and wage restrictions, despite Joan Laporta campaigning on a promise to keep the forward at Camp Nou.

Barcelona are not planning any tribute for Lionel Messi. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

The situation ended with Barcelona withdrawing the contract offer, leaving Messi heartbroken and forcing him to move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The fallout also affected Messi’s relationship with Laporta. Barcelona’s president later acknowledged that their relationship was “not what it used to be”. 

He also recalled an awkward encounter at a Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Messi felt the two should not greet each other.

That history explains why a potential farewell has remained complicated.

Messi tribute plans have changed

There had been renewed speculation earlier this year that Barcelona could organise a tribute match for Messi. 

Messi’s relationship with Joan Laporta is completely broken. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Laporta never completely ruled out the possibility and even said that ‘Leo deserves a statue at Camp Nou’.

Yet the latest information suggests there is no immediate plan to turn those words into a formal farewell event.

Laporta has still recognised Messi as a Barcelona legend and expressed hope that the relationship can eventually improve. 

The president has also indicated that a proper public tribute could take place once the Camp Nou renovation project is completed, although, for now, the club has no plan to do so.