Deco reveals it was 'good for everyone' that Lionel Messi didn't return to Barcelona: Report

Messi was linked with a move back to the Catalan club in 2023.

It was “good for everyone” that Lionel Messi did not return to the Blaugrana in 2023, according to Barcelona sporting director Deco.

Messi was rumoured to be returning to the Catalan club in the summer of 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. After a tearful split in 2021, both parties were reportedly eager to get back together. However, Deco claims it was better that Messi could not rejoin the Catalan team because the “pressure would have been too much.”

Deco told Globo Esporte:

“He may have wanted to go to Miami. After Paris, the most important thing was for him to find himself again and be happy. Maybe that wouldn’t have happened at Barcelona, because the pressure would have been too much.”

“I think it was good for everyone. Barcelona continued on its path, trying to rebuild itself. And Messi continued on his path, scoring goals and being happy.”

With the club still suffering from financial problems, they weren’t in the position to register the Argentine forward as his wage demand wouldn’t meet the league’s wage rule.

It was in the players and the club’s best interest that they remain apart from each other. Messi decided to leave Europe that season and started his new life in America.

Later that year, Messi instead joined Inter Miami, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. The 38-year-old’s career has probably been extended by the move; he has been a cash cow for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, Barcelona are now steadily back to their best.

Ever since joining the South Florida side, Messi has led them to two trophies. He has been their most influential player.

Messi is currently getting ready for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States this summer, where Miami will play Al Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras in the group stages. However, there are still rumours surrounding the player to return to Barcelona even this year.

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