Lionel Messi’s Future: A Dream Return to Newell’s Old Boys?

Lionel Messi began his football journey in the youth system of Newell’s Old Boys before joining La Liga’s illustrious Barcelona as a teenager. The club took on his medical expenses, setting him on an extraordinary path to stardom.

After spending 21 years in Catalonia, during which he shattered numerous records, Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Following two successful seasons in France, he pursued the American dream, signing with Inter Miami in South Florida.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has recently committed to a new contract with Inter Miami that extends through 2028, ensuring he remains active in the sport beyond his 40th birthday. However, there is currently no indication of when he might choose to retire.

This uncertainty allows Newell’s Old Boys to maintain hope that their prodigal son may one day return. Head coach Orsi expressed to ESPN, “Everyone at Newell’s, including us, thinks it would be wonderful if he had the chance to play for his club and in his city.” Club official Gomez echoed this sentiment, stating, “It would be a dream not only for our fans but for the whole country.”

Newell’s is preparing for another round of presidential elections, having narrowly avoided relegation in 2025. One candidate, Guillermo Munoz, has publicly shared his ambition to bring Messi back to the club.

He remarked to TNT Sports, “First, we have to see if Messi is eager to connect with Newell’s.” Munoz acknowledged the long-standing rumors surrounding Messi’s potential return while emphasizing a pragmatic approach: “I may really want Messi to come, but it’s not enough to just say, ‘someday.’ I see Messi and he makes me emotional, but that doesn’t mean he’s above the club.”

Similar to Messi, fellow World Cup champion Diego Maradona also spent time with Newell’s upon returning to Argentina from Europe. Former Inter Miami and Barcelona coach Tata Martino has similarly returned to the club he has served in three different capacities as a player.

Munoz remarked on the possibility of Messi following a similar trajectory: “One day, Maradona said: ‘I’m going to play in Newell’s.’ One day, Tata Martino said: ‘I’m going to lend a hand in Newell’s.’ Messi has no commitment or obligation to Newell’s. But if he truly wishes to return, he would need to make that known.”

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, commented on the possibility of Messi playing in his homeland, especially in light of Angel Di Maria’s return to Rosario Central at 37 years of age, saying, “I hope so.”

Meanwhile, former Newell’s coach Cristian Fabbiano reflected on the idea of Messi making a short-term return, stating, “I hope Messi comes to play for just four months, whenever he wants. A tournament lasts that long, four months.”

For the time being, Messi remains fully committed to Inter Miami, where he had a remarkable 2025 season, helping secure the MLS Cup title and earning both Golden Boot and MVP honors. The most decorated player in football history has expressed his intention to pursue additional major titles in North America before contemplating any further changes in his career. Ultimately, he and his wife Antonela, along with their three sons, plan to return to Barcelona once he hangs up his boots for good.