Newell’s Old Boys president Ignacio Astore has disclosed that Lionel Messi wants to return to the Argentine club as he nears a potential departure from Inter Miami. The 37-year-old forward is currently in the last year of his contract with the MLS side, and negotiations over a new deal have not made significant progress.
Astore shared his perspective during an interview with TyC Sports, highlighting the hopes held by Newell’s Old Boys for Messi to finish his playing career with them. Although he has not spoken directly to Messi, Astore confirmed awareness of the player’s interest in coming back.
“It’s something he has to decide. I haven’t spoken to the player. I don’t think it’s appropriate to speak to him because it would put him in an awkward position. Maybe he has a contract, maybe he feels it’s not the right time, maybe he has other family commitments… I know the appreciation he has for the institution and how much he wants to come.”
— Ignacio Astore, Newell’s Old Boys President
Messi joined Newell’s Old Boys as a child before moving to Barcelona’s renowned academy. Despite never playing for the club’s first team, he has consistently shown pride in his roots with the Rosario-based team.
Stalled Discussions at Inter Miami Raise Prospect of Return to Argentina
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is expected to be extended until 2026 as the club aims to retain him until the launch of their new stadium next year. However, ongoing talks seem to have reached an impasse, fueling speculation about his possible exit from the MLS.
If Messi decides to return to Argentina, he would join a trend among some of his former national teammates, including Ángel Di María, who recently signed with Rosario Central. With only a few months remaining on his current Inter Miami contract, he faces a critical decision regarding his future plans.
Recent Success: Messi Earns Back-to-Back MLS Player of the Matchday Honors
Lionel Messi’s current form with Inter Miami remains impressive, as he was named MLS Player of the Matchday for the second consecutive game following a dominant 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew. In that match, Messi scored twice and assisted two goals, playing a key role in the team’s resounding win.
He started the scoring by assisting Tadeo Allende with a perfect pass that broke through the Columbus defense. Messi then added two goals himself before setting up Fafà Picault for the fifth goal, showcasing his playmaking skills under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano.
This achievement made Messi the first player this season to earn back-to-back Player of the Matchday awards, joining Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo as one of only two to receive the honor multiple times during the 2025 MLS season.
Potential Impact of Messi’s Decision on Newell’s Old Boys and MLS
Messi’s choice to return to Newell’s Old Boys would be highly significant for Argentine football, marking a full-circle moment for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His presence could potentially boost the club’s profile and inspire younger players emerging from the Rosario academy. Meanwhile, Inter Miami could face the challenge of replacing a global superstar if contract talks ultimately collapse.
As Messi weighs his options in the coming months, fans and football observers alike will closely monitor whether he will bring his illustrious career back to his hometown club or extend his stay in the United States. The decision will have meaningful implications both for his legacy and the future trajectories of the clubs involved.