Barcelona’s sporting director Deco shuts down talk of potential Lionel Messi return

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has reignited excitement among Barcelona fans after revealing his hope to one day return to the Spotify Camp Nou to receive the farewell he “never got.”

The 38-year-old Argentine left his boyhood club in 2021 amid heartbreak and controversy, as financial constraints forced Barcelona to let him go without the proper send-off. Years later, Messi sparked speculation about a potential tribute match after sharing an emotional social media post during a recent visit to Spain.

Messi’s post featured photos of him walking around Camp Nou, which has been under redevelopment since 2023. The visit came just before he joined the Argentina national team for international duty, sending Barcelona fans into a frenzy.

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However, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco poured cold water on the idea of any potential return, even on a loan spell in January, stating that such a scenario has “never been considered.”

“I don’t think it’s possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo and he could still contribute something; he is a great player, but it’s not something we are going to talk about. The current situation is entirely speculative,” Deco said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

🚨 Deco: “Leo Messi to Barça on loan? I don’t think that’s possible, because Leo has a contract. I don’t think it’s ever been brought up.”

“Leo is always Leo, and I think he can still offer something. I see him as a great player; this isn’t something we’ll talk about right now.” pic.twitter.com/PWjTSgrJXq

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 3, 2025

Messi’s name continues to be chanted in the 10th minute of every game at the newly renovated Camp Nou, a tradition that Deco says is a testament to the Argentine’s enduring impact on the club.

“Leo will have a lifelong impact. For me, Leo is the best player in the club’s history, along with Johan Cruyff and Ronaldinho. It’s normal, being from this generation, not to forget Leo,” Deco added.

The meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has drawn comparisons with Messi, a connection Deco notes is natural given both players’ early breakthroughs.

“They are different stages, different players. They are both ahead of the rest in terms of their perception of things. Leo grew up in an environment where he had no pressure or need for the spotlight because it wasn’t his time, while Lamine grew up at a Barça in reconstruction.

“Leo did so in an already established team, with an average of 26–27. Leo gradually worked his way in. Leo generated curiosity; I went to watch the reserve team to see him play. His quality was impressive,” Deco concluded.

Messi joined Barcelona at just 13 years old in 2001 and spent two decades with the club, guiding them to nine LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey crowns, among numerous other honors.

He remains Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals and record appearance holder with 778 matches played, lifting a staggering 34 trophies over his illustrious career. Messi’s legacy at the club cements him not only as Barcelona’s greatest-ever player but also as one of football’s all-time legends.

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