Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, recently spoke about the speculation surrounding a transfer that could see Lionel Messi rejoin the club. Messi, who left Barcelona in 2021 amid financial issues, remains a beloved figure among fans, despite his impending 38th birthday. Deco shared insights on a potential return, stating that Messi is still under contract and that any discussion about a return is strictly speculative.

How Barcelona Lost Messi in 2021

During a remarkable 17 years at Barcelona, Messi set records for appearances (778) and goals (672), winning numerous major titles, including 10 La Liga championships and 4 Champions League trophies. However, financial mismanagement led to his departure, with Messi subsequently signing with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami, where he has continued his stellar goal-scoring.

Deco’s Take on a Possible Messi Comeback

In an interview on Que t’hi jugues, Deco commented, “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.” Furthermore, he emphasized that the current situation remains entirely speculative.

Why a Return Seems Unlikely

Fans were thrilled to see Messi at the newly-refurbished Camp Nou stadium recently, where he expressed a desire to return in some capacity to bid farewell to supporters. Despite this, club president Joan Laporta indicated that a homecoming isn’t realistic due to Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints and Messi’s recent commitment to Inter Miami for three more years.

Next Steps for Messi and Barcelona

As Messi focuses on potentially winning more trophies with Inter Miami—who will be playing for the MLS Cup soon—Barcelona is currently leading La Liga, looking to maintain their advantage over rivals Real Madrid. It remains to be seen how circumstances will unfold for both Messi and the club in the coming months.