The sporting director of FC Barcelona, Deco, reviewed the club's current affairs in an interview for the program 'Qué t'hi jugues' on the 'SER' network. The central theme of the interview had to do with the stir generated last month after the lightning visit by Leo Messi to Spotify Camp Nou and the rumors linked to a possible return of 'La Pulga' to the club in 2026.
Although the Rosario native has a contract with Inter Miami until December 2028, as agreed in his most recent renewal with the pink team, MLS allows its main stars to negotiate loan departures, for six months, to European clubs.
This is thanks to the league's winter break setting the season's start for late February, and it's not until the second half of the year that the bulk of the calendar is played, including the playoffs. Barça could sign Leo for the second half of 25/26, but this scenario, for now, is not viable
Is a transfer of Leo Messi to Barça in January possible?
In that regard, Deco was clear in stating that, at the moment, **the club does not see a 'last dance' for Messi in the Barça jersey as feasible**. Firstly, because no reinforcements are expected in January. Secondly, due to the financial gap separating Barça's economy from the '10's' high salary.
"I don't think it's possible because Leo has a contract and it was never considered. Leo is always Leo and could still offer something, he's a great player, but it's not a topic we're going to discuss," explained the Barcelona sporting director.
In the summer of 2023, there was also speculation about the possible return of 'La Pulga' after his departure from PSG. However, Inter Miami ended up signing him, while Barça opted for 'low cost' signings to deal with its financial 'Fair Play' problems.
Deco bows to Leo Messi's legacy at Barcelona
Beyond ruling out Leo Messi's return in the short term, Deco has no doubt in expressing his admiration for the Rosario native, as well as the magnitude of his figure in Barcelona.
"Leo will have an impact his whole life, for me, Leo is the best player in the club's history, along with Johan (Cruyff) and Ronnie (Dinho). It's normal for this generation not to forget Leo."
The former Portuguese international shared with the Argentine 'crack' for four seasons.In fact, on the '10's debut, on October 16, 2004, Messi came on for Deco in the 83rd minute of a match at Montjuïc where Barça won by the narrowest of margins against Espanyol (0-1) with a goal from the player born in Brazil but who represented Portugal internationally in the first half.
Comparisons Between Messi and Lamine
The Blaugrana sporting director, on the other hand, did not shy away from referring to the comparisons between Leo Messi and Lamine Yamal. Beyond the talent of both players and the similarities in their playing style, the current club official understands that both footballers have had different evolutions, marked by the club's context.
"They are different stages, they are different players, they are above the rest in terms of their perception of things. Leo grew up in an environment where he had no pressure or need to be the protagonist because it wasn't his time. Lamine has grown up in a Barça in reconstruction," Deco argued.
Furthermore, he added: "Leo did it on an already consolidated team, with an average age of 26-27. Leo gradually integrated... he generated curiosity. I went to see the reserves to watch him. With his quality, he impressed you," he recalled.