Lionel Messi’s unexpected late-night return to the revamped Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, November 9, has stirred strong emotions across Barcelona, with former teammate Jordi Alba admitting he would love to follow in his footsteps.
Messi, who spent most of his glittering career at the old ground, spoke warmly of his desire to play at the renovated stadium one day.
Alba, now with Inter Miami, told Diario AS that seeing Barcelona back at their historic home immediately rekindled his own connection with the ground. He explained that the club’s return after two and a half years away naturally brought back memories of the countless matches he played there.
Reflecting on the stadium’s transformation, Alba admitted he has yet to see the changes in person but expects a fresh emotional experience when he finally visits. He believes the reconstruction marks an important step for the club and its supporters as a new era begins.
Alba added that he intends to visit the revamped ground whenever he returns to Barcelona, hoping to enjoy watching the club’s new generation from the stands.
Barcelona make winning return to Camp Nou
Barcelona’s first match back at the renovated stadium was met with excitement and relief. Supporters packed into the reopened sections of the ground, eager to witness the team’s long-awaited homecoming after an extended spell at the Olympic Stadium.
The team responded in style, producing a composed and confident performance to secure a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on their historic return.
Players such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha spoke afterwards about the lift they felt from hearing the crowd echo through the newly upgraded stands.
When will Camp Nou open to full capacity?
Although parts of the stadium have reopened, Camp Nou will not operate at full capacity until the reconstruction process is fully completed, with just over 45,000 seats currently available.
Club officials have indicated that the phased reopening is designed to ensure safety and maintain construction efficiency.
The full capacity target of 105,000 seats is expected to be reached around mid-2027, once the remaining sections are finished and all structural checks have been signed off.
Until then, supporters will see gradual increases in available seating as more areas pass inspection. The club hopes this careful approach will ensure a smooth return to full operations without compromising the project’s long-term goals.
FGG Says
Messi’s emotional late-night visit was a reminder of how deeply the Camp Nou is woven into Barcelona’s identity, and Alba’s reaction only reinforces that sentiment. The stadium’s reconstruction is more than a structural upgrade; it represents renewal after a turbulent period for the club.
The phased reopening feels like a necessary compromise, but each step forward builds anticipation for the moment the ground is finally restored to its full grandeur. Many past greats will likely want to experience the revamped Camp Nou, and their presence could help strengthen the bond between the club’s history and its future.