Barcelona sporting director Deco has expressed his belief that Lionel Messi will return to the Nou Camp for his farewell game before his retirement.
Messi left the Catalans in 2021 amidst severe financial crisis with the team unable to even register the player. He spent 2 years at PSG before eventually moving to Inter Miami.
Deco stated it is inevitable the 36-year-old steps up on the renovated Camp Nou in the next couple of seasons.
“Messi will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don’t know,” Deco said.
“He will always be the greatest idol in the club’s history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo, but he is perhaps the greatest of all.”
The expected date for the full renovation is June 2026, but club president Joan Laporta, Messi’s farewell game could occur on November 2024 as the stadium might be safe enough for play.