Messi's Ex-Club Reveals Bold Push to Bring Back Football Legend
Lionel Messi's childhood club in Argentina has officially confirmed their pursuit of the Inter Miami star for next year in what could mark a historic chapter in his legendary career.
"We are actively working toward having Leo represent Newell's during the opening months of 2027, though currently that's all we can confirm," stated Juan Manuel Medina, a vice-president at the Argentine side to TN, further disclosing that these discussions have been ongoing since 2024.
Messi has never competed at senior club level in his homeland Argentina, having departed at age 13 to join Barcelona's La Masia academy. His entire adult existence has been spent overseas, making a homecoming to don Newell's jersey a monumental achievement for both the club and a tremendous victory for his birthplace and all of Argentina.
"This initiative extends far beyond Newell's boundaries," Medina continued. "This represents a vision for Rosario city, our province, and Argentine soccer as a whole. Success hinges on our ability to provide adequate facilities and a competitive sporting framework."
Former Argentina national team colleague Ángel Di María, another Rosario native, has been representing cross-town rivals Rosario Central since his 2025 homecoming following 18 years across European leagues.
Lionel Messi Could Miss Start of 2027 MLS Season
Lionel Messi May Be Absent for 2027 MLS Campaign Opening
Messi remains under contract with the defending MLS Cup titleholders through 2028 following his recent three-year extension in southern Florida. However, Newell's Old Boys seeks to secure him on a temporary basis for several months in early 2027, before sending the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient back to Miami.
The precise duration of Messi's potential Argentina stint remains unclear. Medina's reference to the "opening half of 2027" provides only a rough timeline, though a full six-month period through June's conclusion would result in the player being unavailable for a significant portion of Major League Soccer's campaign, scheduled to commence in February.
Should Messi join Newell's in January 2027, he would either have a brief stay if required to return for MLS season launch, or the arrangement would necessitate missing league fixtures.
Historical precedent exists for such arrangements.
LA Galaxy temporarily transferred David Beckham to AC Milan during 2009 and 2010. The initial 2009 arrangement was scheduled to conclude in March, allowing his return to Los Angeles for that season's MLS opener, but he controversially remained in Italy through summer. The subsequent year saw Beckham suffer an injury with Milan and not feature for Galaxy until September 2010, also missing his final World Cup opportunity with England.
LA Galaxy similarly loaned Landon Donovan to Bayern Munich in early 2009 and Everton during 2010 and 2012. However, on each occasion the USMNT legend returned in time for MLS season commencement.