Might Lionel Messi be set for emotional return? 4-month contract supply on the desk and doable ex-Argentina teammate reunion—however not at Barcelona

Lionel Messi has lengthy been linked with an emotional return to considered one of his former golf equipment earlier than retiring, however this time, the supply isn’t coming from Barcelona. As a substitute, considered one of his earliest groups has stepped ahead, presenting an unprecedented four-month contract proposal that will reunite him with a well-known face from his Argentina days.

The concept is each romantic and sudden. Messi’s journey to stardom started removed from the intense lights of the Camp Nou, in his hometown of Rosario, the place he first honed his craft earlier than transferring to Europe as a youngster. Now, one of many golf equipment that helped form his profession is making a daring push to convey him again—if just for a brief however historic spell.

The membership in query is none aside from Newell’s Outdated Boys, the place Messi performed as a younger boy earlier than leaving for Spain in 2000. Whereas he by no means had the possibility to characterize them on the senior degree, Newell’s are actually trying to change that by providing him a four-month contract, with their supervisor overtly expressing hope that Messi will think about the transfer.

“I hope Messi involves play for simply 4 months, every time he needs,” Newell’s supervisor Cristian Fabbiani informed ESPN F90. “A event lasts that lengthy, 4 months. He may make a very good duo with Ever [Banega].”

Apparently, Messi and Ever Banega share a deep connection, having performed collectively for Argentina on the 2008 Olympics, the place they gained gold. A reunion in Rosario, even for a quick spell, could be a significant second for the membership’s followers.

Would Messi even think about it?

Messi’s present focus stays on Inter Miami, the place he has shortly turn into the face of MLS. Since becoming a member of the Florida-based membership, he has been instrumental of their rise to the highest of the Jap Convention and stays in rivalry for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Nevertheless, questions on his long-term future persist.

At 37 years outdated, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami consists of an choice to increase his keep into 2026. Membership co-owner Jorge Mas has beforehand said that he expects the Agrentine to nonetheless be enjoying when the staff opens its new stadium in 2026, indicating {that a} transfer elsewhere may not occur instantly.

Nevertheless, Messi has beforehand spoken about his want to return to Newell’s earlier than retiring. Again in 2016, he informed Diario AS: “If I am going again to Argentina tomorrow, which I might love, the membership I might play for could be Newell’s.” Experiences from El Nacional final yr additionally prompt that the veteran’s very best retirement plan includes ending his profession on the membership the place he took his first steps in skilled soccer.