Barcelona sporting director Deco dismissed the ideaf Lionel Messi return to the club and insists there is no scenario in which the Argentine returns as a player.
During a recent interview, Deco made his stance clear after Messi surprised fans with a private visit to Spotify’s newly renovated Camp Nou.
The unannounced outing, shared later on the player’s social media, briefly reignited speculation among fans about a potential final spell at the club four years after his emotional exit.
However, Deco firmly shut the door on the possibility MLS the star returns.
“I don’t think it’s possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo and he can still contribute; he’s a great player but it’s not something we’re going to talk about.”
“The current situation is purely speculative.
The sporting director said he was not surprised Messi’s name continued to be chanted in the tenth minute at the stadium.
“Leo will have a lifelong impact. For me, Leo is the best player in the club’s history, along with Johan (Cruyff) and Ronnie (Ronaldinho). It’s normal, being from this generation, not to forget Leo,” said the former midfielder.
Deco was also asked about the comparison between Messi and rising Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal.
“They’re different stages, different players. They’re both ahead of the others in terms of their perception of things.”
“Leo grew up in an environment where he didn’t have any pressure or need attention because it wasn’t his time, while Lamine grew up in a different environment, at Barca under reconstruction.
“Leo did so in an already established team with an average age of 26-27. Leo worked his way up.
“Leo sparked curiosity; I went to watch the reserve team to see him play. His quality was impressive.”
