Barcelona are planning a farewell match for club great Lionel Messi, who left two years ago without the chance to bid the fans a proper goodbye.

“We could hold the match in the new [Camp Nou] stadium when it’s ready,” Barça sporting director Deco has said. “I’m sure we’ll get it organised.”

Deco added that the exhibition game won’t be played until after Messi  retires - and he expects the Inter Miami star to carry on for a while yet.

In the summer, hopes were raised among Barça fans that Messi  could return from PSG, but the 36-year-old finally moved to MLS.

There were also rumours that he could join Barça on loan after Miami’s failure to reach the playoffs. The Herons don’t return to MLS action until February.

It wouldn’t have been unprecedented. Miami co-owner David Beckham had temporary spells at AC Milan during his time as a player at LA Galaxy.

However, a Messi loan was ruled out, Miami boss ‘Tata’ Martino declaring: “[The rumours] are a surprise to me. I don’t know anything about them.”

Barça fans will have to wait for a farewell event with their idol. Messi is under contract at Miami until  December 2025, when he’ll be 38.

The forward continues to excel on the pitch. He has racked up 11 goals and five assists in 13 games for Miami, helping them to lift their first trophy.

Miami won the Leagues Cup in August, thanks chiefly to their new signing. He top scored in the MLS-Liga MX inter-league tournament, netting 10 times.