Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi to feature in Deco testimonial

Deco with former manager, Jose Mourinho

Rio de Janeiro, May 17: Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho are among a host of current and retired stars invited to feature in a testimonial match for former Portugal midfielder Deco.

The fixture will pit Porto’s 2004 team against Barcelona’s class of 2006 at the former’s Dragao stadium July 25, Xinhua reported Friday citing Brazilian sports news portal Lancenet.

Deco, who retired last year after helping Fluminense to two Brazilian Serie A titles in three seasons, will play a half for both of his former clubs.

The 36-year-old won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 before repeating the feat with Barcelona two years later.

Among others expected to play in the testimonial are Deco’s former Barcelona teammates Ronaldinho, Xavi Hernandez and Mark van Bommel. The match could also feature Jose Mourinho as coach of Porto and Frank Rijkaard as the Barcelona boss.