Barcelona Director Reveals Odds of Messi's Sensational Homecoming
Barcelona's sporting director Deco has essentially dismissed the possibility of a future reunion with Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi.
Though the concept of Messi eventually returning to Barcelona has been widely discussed, the Argentine superstar intensified rumors with an unexpected visit to Camp Nou that he shared on social media, along with expressing his desire to bid farewell to supporters in person.
Following that stadium appearance last month, supporters at Camp Nou have been chanting Messi's name throughout every match at the club's recently renovated venue, clearly demonstrating their eagerness to see him return.
Nevertheless, the likelihood of such a move seems remote as sporting director Deco has moved to decisively dismiss the rumors.
"I believe it's not feasible for Messi to return," Deco stated to Cadena SER. "He's under contract with Inter Miami and we haven't had any discussions about it. Leo remains Leo, an exceptional player, but it's not currently on our agenda."
What Messi Has Said About Barcelona Return
The whole discussion surrounding Messi's immediate return to Barcelona was sparked by the player himself. Prior to his Camp Nou visit, the general expectation was that Barça would organize a tribute ceremony for Messi in the near future, with opportunities for a non-playing position after retirement remaining available.
However, circumstances shifted in early November. His social media announcement was soon accompanied by an interview with Catalan press—recorded before his Camp Nou appearance but published afterward—where Messi openly expressed his family's desire to relocate back to Barcelona.
"We really miss Barcelona," he revealed. "My wife and I, along with the children, constantly discuss Barcelona and the possibility of residing there once more. We maintain our home there, everything is in place, so that's our aspiration."
Having just expressed his wish to properly farewell the club days before, numerous supporters immediately called upon the organization to facilitate the reunion they believed Messi was seeking.
Could Messi Return to Barcelona?
As Deco highlights, Messi's Miami contract presents a clear obstacle.
His initial agreement with the Herons was set to conclude at the end of 2025, but Messi signed a fresh three-year extension in October, just weeks prior to his Camp Nou visit, meaning any transfer would require Miami's approval.
Miami has essentially constructed their organization around Messi, and the chances of the Major League Soccer team consenting to a permanent sale are extremely unlikely, though the possibility of a temporary loan arrangement continues to circulate.
Messi and Miami will face Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup this weekend, followed by a two-month hiatus before the 2026 campaign begins on Feb. 21. Historically, players have secured brief European loans to maintain their conditioning.
David Beckham, Miami co-owner, completed two loan periods with AC Milan in 2009 and 2010, while players like Thierry Henry, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane have all temporarily left their MLS commitments for European stints.
Theoretically, a brief loan to Barcelona could work but would require Miami's authorization.
Barcelona President Downplays Return Rumors
Deco's remarks regarding a potential Messi reunion aren't the first from Barcelona leadership.
Following Messi's unexpected Camp Nou appearance, club president Joan Laporta was questioned about potentially re-signing the club's all-time greatest player, but he responded with comparable doubt.
"With complete respect for Messi, the club's professionals, Barça and our members, I think that engaging in unrealistic speculation at this time isn't fair... I believe that would be inappropriate," he emphasized.
Rather, Laporta has maintained his attention on organizing a future tribute for Messi. The current president feels any celebration should wait until Camp Nou is fully operational in the upcoming years.