Lionel Messi could be on his way back to Barcelona after both President Laporta and Sporting Director Deco confirmed the club's intent to bring back the legendary Argentine
LaLiga giants Barcelona have confirmed that club legend Lionel Messi will return to the club, even if only to play a farewell game to say goodbye to the fans.
Messi to make Barcelona return
Messi left Barcelona after 21 years at the club through its youth ranks and senior team, after it became obvious that the Catalan giants could not afford his huge salary and were unable to re-sign him after his contract expired in 2021.
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The Argentine World Cup winner had the chance to return to Barcelona this summer after his deal with French side Paris Saint-Germain expired but instead chose to join MLS side Inter Miami in a sensation move to the United States.
With Inter Miami suffering an early end to their MLS season by missing the playoffs, rumours swirled that Messi could make a sensational comeback to Barcelona on loan until the start of the next season, but those rumours were quickly dispelled by the club through coach Tata Martino.
Barcelona bosses tout Messi return
Despite this admission, Barcelona’s new sporting director and former midfielder Deco, was adamant that Messi would return to the Catalan club at some point before he retires.
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Speaking to Lance in Brazil, Deco said, "He [Messi] will always be the biggest idol in the club's history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo - but he is perhaps the greatest of them all.
"He will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don't know. He's playing, and hopefully he'll play for more years, because people who like football, who like him, will be happy to see him happy,"
Barcelona president Joan Laporta went further to state when Messi could be expected in Barcelona once again, telling El Mati on Catalunya radio, "It would be fantastic if Messi could be at the opening match at Camp Nou. It's been talked about and if it was in June 2026, that would be when the Spotify Camp Nou is finished.
"We'll be back in November 2024 and it could be an important date too. Let's see. We would like and hope that it can be done.”
Messi was in inspirational form during the international break, scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru to keep up the Albiceleste’s perfect start to WOrld Cup qualifying.
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