Was Lionel Messi close to rejoining Barcelona before Inter Miami extension? Shocking Truth Revealed

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FC Barcelona's sporting director Deco has addressed rumours of Lionel Messi returning on loan from Inter Miami during a Wednesday appearance on Cadena SER's Qué t'hi jugues program.

The Argentina star was poised to join the Spanish giants before penning a new deal at his current club Inter Miami. Messi, who has had an illustrious career at Barcelona, was being tipped with a move back, but how much of the rumours had substance?

Deco clarified the thing, as he dismissed the possibility outright, stating, "I don't think it's possible because Leo has a contract and the idea was never considered. Leo is always Leo and he could still offer something; he's a great player. But it's not a topic we're going to discuss," adding, "Right now, the entire context is purely speculative."​

Deco remains unsurprised by fans chanting Messi's name every 10 minutes at Spotify Camp Nou, noting, "Leo will have an impact forever. For me, Leo is the greatest player in the club's history, alongside Johan and Ronnie. It's normal for this generation not to forget him."

He highlighted Messi's Barcelona legacy, where the Argentine became the club's all-time top scorer with 672 goals, securing 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues among other honors during his 2004-2021 stint.​

Deco also compared Messi to Lamine Yamal, explaining, "These are different stages and different players. They are both ahead of others in how they perceive the game, but Leo grew up in an environment with no pressure or need to take the spotlight because it wasn't his time yet, whereas Lamine has grown up in a different setting - at a Barça under reconstruction - while Leo came into an already established squad with an average age of 26-27. Leo was eased in gradually." He recalled, "Leo sparked curiosity; I went to watch the B team just to see him. His quality was impressive."​