Lionel Messi reaches agreement over shock loan deal

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 2 Feb 2026 09:45 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has reached an agreement to rejoin former club Newell’s Old Boys on a short-term loan deal next year, according to a sensational report in Italy.

The 38-year-old recently signed a lucrative new contract at Inter Miami until 31 December 2028, however he could be set to complete an emotional return to Newell’s Old Boys for a six-month stint.

That is according to a shock report from Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, who state that Newell’s Old Boys president Ignacio Boero has taken “decisive steps” to finalise an agreement with Messi over a deal that will see him return to the club in January 2027.

The Argentina international will reportedly rejoin Newell’s on a short-term deal from January 2027 until that summer, before seeing out the remainder of his Inter Miami contract.

The MLS season will move in line with the European calendar ahead of the 2027-28 campaign, meaning Messi will not take part in a transition period after the 2026 season concludes in December.

He will reportedly instead move back to Newell’s on a temporary basis, while the aforementioned Boero has held talks with local government in order to establish a plan to ensure Messi’s safety if the transfer goes through.

The Barcelona legend spent five years at Newell’s before his move to Camp Nou in 2001 and rumours of a return have consistently circulated the media since he left the Blaugrana in 2021.

Lionel Messi to rejoin Inter Miami?

Speaking after confirmation of his new contract last year, Messi told the Inter Miami website: “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality - playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.

“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished - to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”

However, Messi could be set for a six-month spell away from Inter Miami if rumours are to be believed.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store