When will Lionel Messi get his official Barcelona farewell?

Messi’s journey with the Blaugrana remains unfinished.

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, if not the greatest, building a timeless legacy with FC Barcelona and the Argentina national football team. The latter chapter came to an end in October 2026, with Messi playing in his final international game against Benin.

That fixture was billed as Messi’s farewell for La Albiceleste. The No. 10 marked the occasion with one goal and two assists. It was an emotional moment for all fans of the South American nation, with Messi being honoured with an on-field ceremony and drone shows.

It was a proper send-off for possibly the most successful player to represent Argentina, having led them to two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football as his nation’s all-time top scorer, having scored 126 goals in 208 appearances.

Messi, however, is yet to receive a similar farewell from Barcelona. He was a part of the Catalan club for 21 years, having joined La Masia at the age of 13. He spent 17 seasons with the Blaugrana’s first team, making 778 appearances, scoring 672 goals and registering 303 assists.

Despite this overwhelming success, his departure from Barcelona was under acrimonious circumstances. He was expected to extend his contract with the club in 2021. But he was informed that an extension would not be possible due to the Blaugrana’s terrible financial condition.

Instead, a press conference was arranged at the end of the season, where Messi tearfully announced his decision to leave the Catalan club. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August.

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When will Lionel Messi get his proper Barcelona farewell?

Ever since Messi’s departure from Barcelona, fans have clamoured for the legendary forward to be given a farewell fitting his status as a club legend. That, however, has been delayed several times.

The relationship between Messi and Joan Laporta has been strained since the contract extension fiasco. The club president even promised a farewell for Messi once Camp Nou was redeveloped.

However, Messi’s Barcelona farewell might soon become a reality. According to media reports, former board member Toni Freixa said that the Argentine forward would be given a farewell in a year and a half.

“Within a year and a half, there will be a Barcelona farewell ceremony for Leo Messi at the Camp Nou,” Freixa said. “This is something that is confirmed.”

Earlier, former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart said that he would love Messi to get a proper send-off at Camp Nou. However, he warned the Argentine to resolve the issues with Laporta and not let any interpersonal problem come between a farewell match.

“Leo is an undeniable footballer, the best in the world, and a great player. There is only one thing he must not forget: Barcelona is bigger than him, and he should be careful, he should be careful,” Gaspart said.

“I say this out of the historical love I have for a player I signed when he was 13 and I was Barca president: he should be careful. Barca is bigger than him as an individual.”

“He is a great player, the best in the world, partly … thanks to Barca. Therefore, he cannot forget that. Because of that, I’m still giving him a grace period, but a day will come when it will start to bother me if Mr Messi puts even the slightest obstacle in the way of coming to Barca to say goodbye to the fans.”

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