Newell's Old Boys, a prominent Argentine football club, is actively formulating a plan to secure the return of global football icon Lionel Messi to his early career roots in 2027. This ambitious endeavor aims to bring the acclaimed two-time MLS MVP back to his formative club for the initial six months of that year. The scope of this project is far-reaching, intending to involve and benefit not only the club but also the city of Rosario, the broader province, and the entirety of Argentine football, according to official statements from the club's vice president. Messi, who has a storied history with Newell's Old Boys during his youth, is presently contracted with Inter Miami until the conclusion of 2028.
The aspiration to bring Messi back to his origins is a significant undertaking, highlighted by Juan Manuel Medina, the first vice president of Newell's Old Boys. Medina emphasized that this initiative transcends mere club interests, positioning it as a comprehensive regional and national football project. This strategic move could potentially mark a historic moment, allowing one of football's greatest players to conclude his illustrious career where it all began, thereby inspiring a new generation of talent and reigniting passion for the sport across Argentina.
Lionel Messi's connection with Newell's Old Boys dates back to his formative years, where he honed his skills in their youth teams from 1995 to 2000 before his pivotal transfer to FC Barcelona's renowned academy. This early period was instrumental in shaping his extraordinary talent, making a potential return a full-circle moment for the player and his fans. Currently, Messi is a pivotal figure for Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions, having recently extended his contract with them until the end of 2028. His commitment to the American club and his national team, for whom he is preparing to defend the World Cup title, underscores the complex nature of such a transfer.
As Inter Miami prepares to kick off their 2026 MLS season, with Messi at the forefront, the discussions surrounding his potential homecoming continue to gather momentum. The proposal for his return in 2027 aligns with a period that could offer a fitting transition for the player, allowing him to contribute to his boyhood club after his commitments in the MLS and international competitions. This move, if realized, would not only fulfill a long-held dream for many Argentine football enthusiasts but also provide a powerful narrative of loyalty and legacy within the sport.
The campaign to repatriate Lionel Messi to Newell's Old Boys in 2027 is a monumental vision, transcending the typical confines of football club strategies. It embodies a collective ambition from various stakeholders to honor a national hero and to leverage his unparalleled influence for regional and national development. This plan underscores the deep emotional ties between Messi and his native Argentina, promising a potential reunion that would undoubtedly captivate the global football community and reinforce the legacy of one of the sport's all-time greats.