Key Takeaways:
- Newell’s Old Boys have revealed plans to bring Lionel Messi back in the first half of 2027
- Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until the conclusion of the 2028 calendar year
- Newell’s Old Boys currently sit bottom of Group A in the Argentine Primera Division after three matches in the 2026 season
Club’s Ambitious Plans for Messi’s Return
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, are making efforts to secure the return of the legendary forward. This development was confirmed by Vice-President Juan Manuel Medina, who shared that a project is underway to facilitate Messi’s arrival in the first half of 2027. According to Medina, the initiative extends beyond the football club itself, aiming to benefit the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football as a whole. He pointed out, however, that the proposal is still in the early stages and dependent on infrastructure and the strength of the sporting project, with nothing finalised at this point. Medina also noted that the conceptual groundwork for this initiative emerged in 2024.
💥 Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks to join boyhood club Newell's Old Boys
🚨 The Argentina legend is contemplating signing for the Rosario side when the MLS calendar transitions to align with the European football schedule
⚽️ Messi scored 200+ goals for Newell's youth teams… pic.twitter.com/F6w8C5Vh3l
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) February 4, 2026
Messi’s Career Timeline and Contractual Commitments
Lionel Messi, who is currently 38 years old, is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 calendar year. He began his footballing journey at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario from the age of six and continued through to thirteen before moving to Barcelona’s renowned academy, La Masia. Despite never featuring for the Newell’s Old Boys first team in official matches, Messi recorded a remarkable 234 goals in youth competitions. In tribute, one of the stands at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa carries his name.
Key Factors and Competition Calendar
The first half of 2027, identified by Newell’s Old Boys as the potential window for Messi’s return, is also of particular importance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) calendar. During this period, MLS is scheduled to conduct a transitional season from February to May as it aligns its schedule with European leagues.
Messi’s Ties to Rosario and Comments on a Potential Return
Messi has previously spoken of his emotional connection with Newell’s Old Boys and his aspiration to represent the club at senior level. In 2017, he articulated to “Marca”:
“I have said many times that my dream is to play for Newell’s, but I don’t know what will happen. Part of this doubt comes from the current situation in the country. I have a family and my children come first, and then me. I want them to grow up in a peaceful place where they can enjoy life in safety,” he said at the time, as quoted by “Marca”.
Newell’s Current Standings and Recent Form
At present, Newell’s Old Boys occupy the last position in Group A of the Argentine Primera Division, having played three matches in the 2026 season. This follows their bottom-placed finish in the 2025 season as well.
