NThis summer will mark five years since Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona emotionally, a period that will determine whether the 2022 Qatar World Cup winner can lead Argentina to a historic repeat in the trilateral tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. If he wins a second consecutive World Cup title, it will be virtually impossible to argue against the Argentine maestro, the greatest of all time, surpassing icons like Pell, Diego Maradona and even his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer, is strongly favored to play in his record sixth World Cup, and when combined with Messi’s participation, it will be a monumental feat that will cement his longevity unparalleled in soccer history.
Monument in memory of Messi in Barcelona
Messi also stands to continue extending his record for World Cup appearances, although that milestone is still many months away. He is currently concentrating on international duties, including preparations for the match against Angola at the Devenbro Stadium on November 11 as part of the 50th anniversary of independence.
But the most defining moment of his week was an unexpected visit to his former base. The FIFA World Cup champion took time out to check out the extensive renovation work underway at Camp Nou, the stadium he calls home and where he has won every trophy.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted the visit came as a complete surprise, but was keen to confirm the club’s commitment to giving Messi the praise he deserves for the best player in the club’s 126-year history. Barcelona are taking a cautious and long-term approach to this return. A proper memorial event will be held once the extensive renovation of the Camp Nou is fully completed, but Laporta wants to expedite the erection of a permanent monument to the Argentine player outside the new stadium.
“We are working on it,” Laporta said. “Like (Johann) Cruyff and (Russell) Kubala, he should have a statue erected at the Spotify Camp Nou. As Rose fans, we are happy that a statue will be erected in Lionel Messi’s honor at the new stadium where the Rose legend rests.”
Messi’s unparalleled legacy: the definitive Barcelona record
The spectacular tribute event is likely to take place after Barcelona’s presidential election, which is expected to take place before the end of this season. Messi’s identity is closely tied to the club he joined as a boy and blossomed into a global superstar.
The final official statistics from his incredible performance with FC Barcelona are the clearest proof of his genius. Messi ended his tenure with the most appearances in all competitions (778), the most goals scored (672) and the most titles won in the club’s history (35). He is the most prominent figure in the history of Catalan football.
