JAKARTA - Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has revealed that the club intends to hold a "Separation match" for Lionel Messi.
Messi, called the biggest footballer to ever play for Barcelona, is the club's all-time leading goalscorer - with 672 goals in all competitions. He is also Barca's player with the most appearances of all time - 778 appearances in all competitions - during 17 years playing in the first team.
Barca were forced to let the player leave in 2021 due to financial problems, where Messi then spent two less than optimal seasons at Paris Saint-Germain after his departure.
After the end of his two-year contract at Ligue 1 club Barca tried to recruit Messi back but couldn't, once again, beCAUSE of financial limitations. Messi finally moved to Inter Miami, where he had just finished his first campaign at MLS - scoring 11 goals for his new club in all competitions.
Without qualifying for the play-offs, rumors circulated about a possible move or become a loan player back to Europe over the summer, where Barca became a clear destination. However, the legendary player has denied these rumors. Speaking to Lance, Barcelona Sports Director, Deco, revealed that fans can still expect to see Messi return to wearing the club's uniform in the not too distant future, just not in competitive capacity.
"I thought there would be a farewell game, but maybe in a new stadium when it's ready. He will always be the biggest idol in club history. The club has big idols, like Cruyff, and Ronaldo, but he may be the biggest of all," he said.
Messi will definitely play in the farewell match at Barcelona, but when that will happen, everyone doesn't know yet. "He's still playing, and hopefully he'll be playing for a few more years, because people who love football, those who do, will be happy to see him happy," said Deco.
Barcelona hopes to play at Camp Nou again in November 2024, where the project recently started to renovate the well-known stadium.
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