During the book launch for "Jo vaig viure a La Masia" (I lived at La Masia) in Barcelona on 13/11, Laporta stated that Messi deserves a permanent place at Barca's home ground. "Messi should have a statue at Camp Nou; that is fair," the Barca president emphasized. "We are working on that, but it requires the family's consent."

Messi is the greatest player in Barca's history. In 17 years with the first team, he played 778 matches, scored 672 goals, and provided 305 assists, contributing to 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles. Barca also served as the launchpad for Messi to win seven Ballon d'Or awards.

President Joan Laporta (left) and Lionel Messi celebrate the 2009-2010 La Liga title at Camp Nou. *Photo: Marca*

The book launch event brought together many figures from La Masia's academy across various eras, from board members to former players like Ivan de la Pena and Guillermo Amor. Journalist Xavi Torres's book documents the journey of over 1,000 players who lived at La Masia from 1979 until the end of last season, while also honoring those who sacrificed to pursue their dream of playing for Barca.

La Masia has long been considered the cradle that produces some of the most talented generations of players in world football. Established in 1979, it not only trains football techniques but also focuses on building character, discipline, and Barca's distinctive football philosophy. From here, many Camp Nou legends have emerged, contributing to shaping one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

Laporta stressed that La Masia is "a home, not a factory," where players are trained based on education and life values. He hopes Barca can soon recreate the golden image of the 2010 Ballon d'Or ceremony, when Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi — three of La Masia's most outstanding products — swept the podium. For the first time in history, a football academy had all three finalists for the Ballon d'Or in the same year. That year, Messi was named the winner, securing the second consecutive Ballon d'Or of his career.

Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Xavi (from left) on the day the Argentinian star lifted the 2010 Ballon d'Or at Camp Nou. *Photo: FC Barcelona*

According to journalist Xavi Torres, La Masia is the root of Barca's success: nine of the ten players with the most appearances in the club's history all came through its ranks. Currently, 18 individuals who studied at La Masia have surpassed 100 first-team appearances, and this list will soon add two young stars, Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez.

However, in the summer of 2021, Barca announced it could not renew Messi's contract, even after the Argentinian forward accepted a 50% pay cut, due to financial difficulties. Subsequently, M10 moved to play for PSG for two seasons, then went to the US to play for Inter Miami, where he recently extended his contract until 2028. Despite his current club, Laporta expressed confidence that when Messi finishes his career at Inter Miami, he will reconnect with Barca, stating: "The club's doors are always open to him."

Hong Duy (according to Marca)