Messi Close to Newell's Old Boys Return as Inter Miami Exit Takes Shape

Lionel Messi appears set to swap Miami for his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys in a move that would see the Argentine icon return home next year. An 'agreement in principle' has reportedly been reached to facilitate the transfer, with the club's vice-president confirming active negotiations are underway.

Newell's Old Boys vice-president Juan Manuel Medina stated the club is "working" to bring Messi back to Rosario, where he spent five formative years as a youth player. Speaking to Argentine outlet TN, Medina explained: "We are working on having Leo play for Newell's in the first half of 2027, but for now there's nothing more than that. Everything depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sporting scheme."

The arrangement would reportedly see Messi join on a six-month loan from January through June 2027, before returning to Inter Miami to complete his contract, which runs until 2028.

Safety concerns regarding Messi and his family in Rosario have historically posed obstacles to any homecoming. However, newly appointed club president Ignacio Boero has reportedly taken decisive action to address these issues. The club has engaged Governor of Santa Fe Maximiliano Pullaro to establish a comprehensive security plan tailored to the superstar's requirements.

The 37-year-old remains one of football's greatest ever performers. His trophy cabinet includes eight Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions League titles, ten La Liga crowns, and a 2022 World Cup triumph with Argentina. Across 973 club appearances, Messi has netted 792 goals, whilst adding 115 goals across 196 international caps.

Speculation had emerged last year regarding a potential loan return to Europe during the winter months to maintain match fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Messi himself offered cautious optimism about his participation in the tournament in December, stating: "I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country, especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way."

Messi has also been mentioned in connection with Turkish outfit Galatasaray in recent transfer rumours.