Lionel Messi the problem? Barcelona chief explains why Inter Miami star's return to the Blaugrana would NOT have worked out 'for everyone'

Following Messi's exit from Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine was linked with a return to Barcelona in the summer of 2023. Both parties were said to be keen on a reunion, after an emotional parting of the ways in 2021, but Deco says it was for the best that Messi did not return to the Catalan outfit as the "pressure would have been too much".

He 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.”

Instead, Messi went on to join Inter Miami later that year, and the move has proven to be a masterstroke. The switch has, arguably, allowed the 38-year-old to prolong his career, he has been a cash cow for Major League Soccer and Inter Miami, and Barcelona are now going great guns once again.

Messi, who has been linked with a return to Barcelona again this year, is now preparing for this summer's Club World Cup in the United States, with Miami facing Al Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras in the competition's group stages.