Barcelona have received initial approval from Messi’s camp over tribute match in 2026/27 | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are planning a full-capacity grand opening of the new Spotify Camp Nou for the 2026/27 season, and they want to do it with the greatest player to ever play for the club – Lionel Messi.

Indeed, the club aims to celebrate the stadium’s full return with a long-awaited tribute match for the Argentine legend, reports Catalunya Radio.

Initial approval received

Even though reports seemed to suggest that there had been no contact between Barcelona and Messi’s entourage regarding the Camp Nou reopening, the aforementioned outlet insists otherwise.

Talks with the Messi family have already taken place, and the Argentine’s camp has given their initial approval in principle.

While the details still need to be worked out, the intent is clear – to heal old wounds and honour the greatest player in the club’s history at the perfect time and place.

One last time. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The roadmap

Before that, Spotify Camp Nou is set to host its first match after two years on August 10, 2025, during the Joan Gamper Trophy.

However, attendance will be limited, with current projections allowing for between 28,000 and 35,000 fans.

Later in the 2025/26 season, Barça plan to request approval to expand capacity to 60,000 for La Liga and UEFA Champions League matches.

But the full inauguration, with the stadium completely finished and the roof installed, is being reserved for the following season.

The Blaugrana want to make that moment historic by bringing Messi back for a proper farewell – a symbolic and emotional gesture to help close the chapter on his departure in 2021 after 18 years at the club.