Barcelona Director dismisses naming Camp Nou after Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi made waves on the coast of the Catalan capital two weeks ago when he returned to Camp Nou under cover of darkness, with Barcelona’s stadium on the verge of returning to action. It was the first time that he had been back to Spotify Camp Nou since leaving in tears in 2021.

President Joan Laporta called it a ‘pleasant surprise’, and was keen to convey the message that he was welcome ‘home’ whenever he wanted. In an interview released hours later, Messi had declared that he and his family miss Barcelona. Meanwhile in the Spanish press the idea of renaming the renovated Camp Nou after Lionel Messi was floated.

‘There are better ways’ – Elena Fort dismisses Messi renaming

However Barcelona’s Institutional Vice-president Elena Fort has distanced the club from that idea. Asked about it on Cadena SER, Fort explained that there were other forms of tribute, although she did not specify exactly what the club had in mind. Messi never had a farewell event with the fans, due to the sudden nature of his exit. “There are many ways, better ways, to pay tribute to him,” Fort declared. Laporta has announced his intention to build a statue for Messi in front of the ground.

Barcelona’s dates for a full return to Camp Nou

The renovation work is now predicted to have Barcelona playing in front of 60,000 fans before the end of this season. Fort would explain that the plan was to have the full increased capacity of 105,000 operational in August next year.

On Tuesday, President Joan Laporta was also required to defend the ticket prices set for the return to Camp Nou against Athletic Club. “We have replicated what we did in Montjuic, regarding season tickets and individual tickets,” Fort reasoned, backing up her president.

Pedri will be available for the Chelsea game. The midfielder is meeting recovery deadlines, and next week he’s expected to return to group training. @ferrancorreas

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 18, 2025

This however does not correspond to the prices last season for the visit of Athletic Club, where the most expensive ticket was €260; this season prices range from €199 to €599.