Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Thursday the club is planning to erect a statue of Lionel Messi outside the newly renovated Camp Nou, as the Catalan side prepare to honour their record scorer after his emotional visit to the stadium.

Messi, 38, returned to Barcelona on Sunday to tour the revamped ground for the first time since leaving the club in 2021, later posting on Instagram that he hoped to "return one day, and not just to say goodbye as a player."

Laporta, speaking at a book presentation in Barcelona, said the board had already discussed plans for a permanent tribute to the Argentine World Cup winner.

"Messi will always be linked to Barca, he knows that the doors are open for him. We have absolute respect for him, he deserves the best tribute," he said.

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