Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has confirmed that the Catalan club plans to give Lionel Messi a fitting farewell. Messi took giant strides at Barcelona but had to leave the club back in 2021 due to La Liga financial regulations.

The Argentine went on to sign with Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. After spending two years with Parisians, Messi moved to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF.

Deco said (quotes as per Barca Universal): “I think there will be a farewell game, but maybe in the new stadium when it’s ready. He 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.”

Deco added: “He (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.”

Meanwhile, Messi made his debut for Barcelona back in 2004 and since then he has been at his absolute best at the top level.

Messi played 778 matches for Barcelona and scored 672 goals and provided 288 assists in his glorious career. Furthermore, the legendary player won 34 trophies with the club.

The talisman spent 17 years at Blaugrana and played an instrumental role in taking the club to new heights as he grew as a player.

On the other hand, Messi has confirmed that he will play the last game of the season for Inter Miami CF despite them not qualifying for the playoffs.

“I’ll play the game that is left now,” Messi said.