Full Breakdown
Lionel Messi's Potential Return to Newell's Old Boys in 2027
2/4/2026, 8:04:11 PM
Plans for Messi's Return to Newell's Old Boys
Lionel Messi's former club, Newell's Old Boys, is actively working on plans to bring the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Argentina in 2027. Juan Manuel Medina, the club's vice president, confirmed that discussions about Messi's return have been ongoing since 2024. The proposal involves Messi joining Newell's on a loan basis during the first half of 2027, coinciding with a transition season for Major League Soccer (MLS) that runs from February to May. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, where he signed a contract extension in October 2023, committing to the club until 2028.
The Significance of the Move
Medina emphasized that the initiative is not just about Newell's but represents a broader project for the city of Rosario and Argentine football. He stated, “It’s a project that goes beyond Newell’s. It’s a project for the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football.” The club aims to provide the necessary infrastructure and competitive sports program to facilitate Messi's return, which would be a significant event for both the club and the nation.
Messi's Connection to Newell's
Messi, who played for Newell's youth teams from ages six to thirteen, has expressed a long-standing desire to return to his roots. He previously stated, “I’ve said many times that my dream is to play at Newell’s but I don’t know what will happen.” His emotional connection to the club is evident, as he has paid tribute to them in various ways, including wearing a vintage Newell's jersey during a match in 2020.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the potential return, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of the move. Security for Messi and his family in Rosario has been a significant issue, prompting Newell's president Ignacio Boero to engage with local authorities to ensure a safe environment. Additionally, the logistics of Messi's loan could lead to complications, as he may miss a portion of the MLS season if he joins Newell's in January 2027.
Conflicting Reports and Future Implications
While the plan for Messi's return is gaining traction, it remains uncertain. Medina noted that there are no finalized decisions yet, and the feasibility of the project depends on various factors, including infrastructure and competitive offerings. The situation is further complicated by Messi's ongoing commitments with Inter Miami and the potential for other clubs to express interest in him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are working on Leo playing for Newell’s in the first half of 2027,” — Juan Manuel Medina, Vice President of Newell's Old Boys
- “It’s a project that goes beyond Newell’s. It’s a project for the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football. It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports program.” — Juan Manuel Medina, Vice President of Newell's Old Boys
- “I’ve said many times that my dream is to play at Newell’s but I don’t know what will happen, and a part of that doubt is due to the way the country is at the moment,” — Lionel Messi
As discussions continue, the prospect of Messi returning to Newell's Old Boys remains a topic of significant interest in the football community, symbolizing a potential homecoming for one of the sport's greatest players.
