Talks are underway for Lionel Messi to have 'tribute match', it would be a fitting homage to one of the greats

In what would be a fitting way to celebrate his time with boyhood club Barcelona, discussions are underway for Lionel Messi to have his own tribute match.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who joined La Masia when he was just 13-years-old, scored 672 goals in 780 appearances during his trophy-laden 21 year spell with the Catalan giants.

He established himself as one of the club's all-time greats, lifting four Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles and a host of individual accolades before joining Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021.

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Almost two years on from his Nou Camp departure and Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to organise a so-called tribute match for the 35-year-old forward.

Laporta recently held discussions with Messi's father, Jorge, about a wide range of subjects, including Leo's success at the World Cup with Argentina and his current spell in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

"We (he and Jorge Messi) have seen each other," Laporta told reporters on Tuesday.

"I congratulated him for Argentina’s World Cup victory. We are talking about a tribute match for Leo, who has extraordinary affection for Barca."

When asked about a potential return to Barca, Laporta added: "He’s at PSG right now, so I don’t want to speak about whether or not he could return. Leo's thing isn't about money, we're talking about a tribute."

Lionel Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Image credit: Alamy

Laporta also said he "didn't like" that Messi left the Spanish club but he had no other option. "The institution is above all," he said. "We didn't have 'fair play'. I have a sad feeling. I had to choose and I chose the institution."

Back in August 2021, the World Cup winner was in tears as he said goodbye to Catalan club, his former teammates and the fans during an emotional press conference.

"This is the hardest moment [of my career]," he said. "We had hurtful defeats but football gives you a chance to avenge that. But there is no turning point to this.”

“I feel very sad now as I have to leave a club that I love. I did not expect this. I always told the truth. Last year I wanted to leave, this year I did not want to leave.”

Thoughts on a potential tribute match for Messi? Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga, Paris Saint-Germain

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_