Newell’s plot 2027 Messi return

• Newell’s Old Boys are developing a plan to try to bring Lionel Messi back to play in the first half of 2027.
• Club vice president Juan Manuel Medina said the effort involves Rosario, the province and Argentine football, not just Newell’s.
• Messi signed an Inter Miami extension in October to stay through the end of the 2028 season, with reports suggesting only informal contact so far.

Newell’s Old Boys are working on a project aimed at persuading Lionel Messi to play for the club in the first half of 2027, according to comments from the Argentine side’s first vice president Juan Manuel Medina.

“It’s a project that goes beyond Newell’s. It involves the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football,” Medina said.

Messi played for Newell’s youth teams before moving to Barcelona at the age of 13. He signed a contract extension in October that keeps him at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 campaign.

The report says the idea of positioning Messi as a long term strategic target began forming in 2024. Newell’s plan is described as broader than a football pitch decision, with a framework that spans political, social and sporting factors in an attempt to make a return attractive and meaningful.

That approach is said to include improving infrastructure, building a competitive sporting environment, and creating what the club views as institutional conditions that match a figure of global profile.

There are also reports that informal talks have taken place with Messi’s inner circle, though without concrete progress or firm decisions.

Messi, now 38, joined Inter Miami in July 2023 and has been central to the club’s success. He captained Miami to trophies including the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup last season.

He has not indicated when he plans to retire, and Newell’s believe a return would be an ideal final chapter for the 2022 World Cup winner.