Newell's Old Boys chief confirms club is working on sensational Lionel Messi return

Martin Macdonald

• 4 Feb 2026 07:15 CST
• 2 min read

Nieuws

The vice-president of Newell's Old Boys has confirmed that the club are working on a deal to bring Lionel Messi back in 2027.

Before the eight-time Ballon d'Or became the worldwide superstar we all know at Barcelona, the Argentine was a youngster making waves in Rosario.

Newell's developed him before he and his family made the brave decision to move to Spain so Messi could be part of La Masia, with Barcelona paying his medical expenses for growth hormone treatment.

The club has a place in Messi's heart and there has been continued speculation that he may, one day, return.

It seems it may actually happen, as Newell's are working on a loan that could see him temporarily move from Inter Miami to his former club at the start of 2027.

"We are working on Leo playing for Newell's in the first half of 2027, but for now, there is nothing more than that," vice-president Juan Manuel Medina told TN.

"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.

"There was talk, the idea was raised, but today there are no decisions."

Recently-appointed co-head coaches Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez say Newell's still dream of the Argentine hero coming home.

Orsi told 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.”

Gomez added: “It would be a dream not only for our fans, but for the whole country.”

These comments aren't totally out of the blue, either, as a candidate for the Newell's presidency recently spoke about Messi's return also.

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