Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed recent reports suggesting that Inter Miami star Lionel Messi could make a shocking return to the La Liga champions in the future.
Deco Opens Up on Potential Lionel Messi Return
Messi, who joined Barcelona’s youth ranks in 2000 before leaving as a free agent in 2021, recently astonished Blaugrana fans after visiting the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.
The ex-Barca captain reportedly shared images of his visit on social media. During a chat on Cadena SER Catalunya’s ‘Què T’hi Jugues!’ program, Deco was queried to shed light on the latest speculations surrounding Lionel Messi and the Catalan club. He said that a possible homecoming is unlikely to materialize.
“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’s a great player, but it’s not something we’re going to talk about. The current situation is entirely speculative,” the ex-Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder remarked (via Barca Universal).
Deco shuts down talk of a Messi return on loan
Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed the idea of Lionel Messi returning to the club on a short-term loan.
Speaking about the circulating speculation, Deco was clear that the scenario is not on the table:
“Leo Messi on… pic.twitter.com/jlC2Qf0AAX
— Best Moments Captured. (@BestMomentsCa) December 3, 2025
“Leo will have a lifelong impact,” Deco continued. “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.”
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Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021, helped the Blaugrana lift a total of 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
Deco Opts To Downplay Messi Comparisons
When asked to share his thoughts on the comparisons between Lionel Messi and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, Deco claimed that both are different from one another.
“They’re at different stages, different players. They’re 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 in a different environment, at a Barça in reconstruction. Leo did so in an already established team, with an average age of 26-27,” Deco said.
While Yamal has contributed 32 goals and 43 assists in 121 overall matches for Barcelona, the Argentine registered a whopping 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 total games for the club.