Deco shuts down possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona - 'It was never even considered' | Barca Universal

"Messi surprised fans across the globe a few weeks ago when he paid a secret visit to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, with even club officials being unaware of it until he shared images on social media. It sparked hope among supporters about a possible return for their beloved former captain, four years after he was forced out of the club in a heartbreaking manner."

"They're different stages, different players. They're both ahead of the rest in terms of their perception of things. Leo grew up in an environment where he had no pressure or need for the spotlight because it wasn't his time, while Lamine grew up in a different environment, at a Barça in reconstruction. Leo did so in an already established team, with an average age of 26-27. Leo gradually worked his way in."

FC Barcelona's sporting director closed the door on any possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club as a player. Messi's secret visit to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou and the social media images raised supporter hopes for a farewell return four years after his exit. The sporting director described the idea as speculative, noting Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami and that a loan return was never considered. Messi was praised as one of the club's all-time greats alongside Johan Cruyff and Ronaldinho, and comparisons with Lamine Yamal were framed as different stages and environments.

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