Argentina: Newell’s Old Boys prepare for Lionel Messi’s return

More than 25 years after leaving for Europe, Lionel Messi could return to Newell’s Old Boys, the club of his childhood. The Argentine club’s board is working on a project that could allow the World Cup winner to return to Rosario for a six-month period.

A return to his roots is taking shape for Lionel Messi. At 39, the Argentine star could return to Newell’s Old Boys as early as January 2027. According to several reports carried by the Argentine press, notably Página/12 and Cadena 3, the Rosario club’s directors are studying the conditions of a deal aimed at bringing back their former player.

The project being considered would be a six-month loan, allowing Messi to temporarily join the Argentine league before returning to Inter Miami. Discussions about this possibility are said to have begun, although no official agreement has yet been announced.

Newell’s aim to fulfil a dream several years in the making

The idea of Messi returning to his boyhood club is not new. In February 2026, Juan Manuel Medina, vice-president of Newell’s Old Boys, had already publicly discussed this ambition. The executive then explained that the club was working on a project aimed at welcoming the player during the first half of 2027.

This ambition requires several conditions, including the development of a sufficiently attractive sporting project and improvements to the club’s infrastructure. For the directors, Messi’s potential return would represent a major event for Newell’s, but also for Rosario.

Read also: Lionel Messi returns to Spain

Inter Miami, essential to negotiations

One obstacle remains: the player’s contractual situation. Lionel Messi is still under contract with Inter Miami until December 2028. His potential temporary departure for Argentina therefore depends on an agreement with the American franchise.

A six-month loan would make it possible to consider a solution without necessarily calling into question his long-term commitment in the United States. The reorganisation of the MLS calendar in 2027 could also provide a favourable window for the deal.

A return laden with symbolism

Lionel Messi joined Newell’s Old Boys during his childhood and played in the youth categories before leaving for FC Barcelona in 2000, at just 13 years old. He never played an official match for the club’s first team.

More than 25 years after his departure, the idea of seeing him wear the red-and-black shirt in Rosario is fuelling the hopes of Argentine supporters. For now, the matter remains at the project stage. No transfer has been officially concluded, and the final decision rests with the player and the clubs involved.

Nouya M'toama

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Newell's Old Boys

Liga Profesional Argentina