Source:REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
[Saba Sports News] Currently serving as president of La Liga’s Barcelona, Laporta recently discussed former team player Lionel Messi, who is now with Inter Miami, in a media interview. He stated that Messi ‘should have a statue,’ emphasizing that this is a fair tribute to his contributions during an era. The plan is to unveil the statue in conjunction with a grand homage ceremony after the completion of the renovations at Camp Nou, aiming to reveal it in the new stadium, which will seat 105,000 fans.
I believe that Messi’s accomplishments, including winning 35 titles for Barcelona, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals, and holding the record for the most assists with 303, make him a legendary figure. From a youth academy gem to a six-time Ballon d’Or winner, his contributions go far beyond mere statistics; he is the soul of Barcelona and a core symbol of the global brand. Erecting a statue for him is not only a tribute to the best player in the club’s history but also a response to the emotional demands of fans worldwide, permanently binding the symbol of football art to the club’s history. This value is indisputable; the final statue will be more than just a bronze piece; it will be the protagonist of Barcelona’s historical narrative and emotional belonging.