Messi Back to Barca on Loan? Deco Says Not a Chance

Context

Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, ruled out the possibility of Argentine star Lionel Messi wearing the Catalan club's jersey again.

Speaking to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Deco said: 'A return for Messi on loan? I don't think that's possible because Leo is under contract and the matter has never been raised. Leo is Leo, and he can still contribute something; he's a great player, but this isn't a topic we will discuss.'

He added: 'The current situation is completely speculative.'

Deco also said he wouldn't be surprised to hear Barça fans chant Messi's name in the tenth minute at Spotify Camp Nou, noting: 'Leo will remain influential for life. To me, Leo is the best player in the club's history alongside Johan Cruyff and Ronaldinho. It's natural that fans of this generation won't forget him.'

The sporting director then addressed the widely circulated comparison between Messi and Lamine Yamal, explaining: 'They are from two different eras and are different players. Both excel in reading the game, but Leo grew up in an environment with no pressure to shine because it wasn't his time yet, while Lamine grew up in a different context, at Barcelona rebuilding, while Leo played for a team already settled with an average age of around 26-27. Leo integrated gradually.'

Deco justified: 'Messi used to spark curiosity; I even went to watch the reserve team for him. He used to leave you astonished by his quality.'

Punchline 1: If Messi returns on loan, the headlines will need a bigger font size than the players' egos.

Punchline 2: And if that happens, even the calendar will pause, just to watch Messi magic make a comeback.