Deco, who was appointed Sporting Director at FC Barcelona, has emerged as one of the most powerful figures in the Catalan club’s new organizational hierarchy.

Following Alemany’s departure, the Portuguese is now in charge of all essential sporting files at Barcelona, including those pertaining to new arrivals, present players, and even former players.

Deco’s thoughts on Messi’s departure

One of these former Barcelona players became the focal point of Deco’s most recent public pronouncements, as reported by SPORT. The Sporting Director addressed the long-debated issue of Lionel Messi’s farewell match at the Camp Nou:

“I believe there will be a farewell game, possibly in the new stadium when it is completed.” He will always be remembered as the club’s biggest idol. The club has had great icons such as Cruyff and Ronaldo, but he is possibly the greatest of all.”

“He will undoubtedly play a farewell match at Barcelona, but we don’t know when.” He’s playing, and hopefully he’ll play for many more years because football fans will be glad to see him happy.”

Messi’s return to Barcelona is eagerly anticipated by fans.

As Deco indicated, there is no assurance on when Barcelona will be able to hold Messi’s farewell. This farewell could take place in November 2024, when the first team returns to Camp Nou to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary. Another possibility is to hold the farewell in 2026 when the stadium will be properly refurbished.

Messi’s goodbye has been a common topic of discussion in Barcelona recently. Messi and Barcelona parted ways on less-than-friendly terms, and many fans were angry that the club had allowed one of its greatest heroes to leave without a proper send-off.

Since Messi’s departure from PSG, fans have been hoping for a reunion. There were speculations of a possible return during the past summer window, but the Argentine chose to join Inter Miami and play for a team that was not under as much pressure as Barcelona.