Since Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, there have been talks about a likely return for the Barcelona legend.

A return was also mooted during the summer, but the Argentine rather made the switch to MLS club Inter Miami.

Barca sporting director, Deco, has now assured that Messi will return to at least play a testimonial game for Barcelona.

“I think there will be a farewell game [for Lionel Messi at Barca], but maybe in the new stadium when it’s ready,” Barca’s sporting director Deco said.

“Messi will always be the greatest idol in the history of the club. The club had great idols, such as Cruyff, Ronaldo, but he is perhaps the greatest of all.

“Messi will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when it will be, we don’t know. He is playing, and I hope he plays for more years, because the people who like football, who like him, will be happy to see him happy.”

Messi’s farewell game at Barca is likely to happen in 2025, and it will definitely be the last time Messi will play with a Barca jersey for the club, aside a legends’ testimonial game anytime in the future.