Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, has suggested that Lionel Messi might return to play for Newell’s Old Boys, the club where his football journey began. With Messi’s current contract at Inter Miami set to expire in December 2025, there is growing curiosity about what the future holds for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Alongside interest from Saudi Arabian clubs—where Messi could reunite with rival Cristiano Ronaldo—the MLS side Inter Miami remains optimistic that he will extend his stay beyond the current deal. However, Tapia’s comments have added fresh hope that Messi could come back to Argentina and wear the Newell’s jersey again, even if only for a brief spell.
Tapia shares his admiration for Messi’s return to hometown fans
Speaking with TNT Sports during Angel Di Maria’s emotional return to Rosario Central, Claudio Tapia expressed his desire to see Messi play once more for Newell’s Old Boys, emphasizing the special connection between the star and his boyhood club. Tapia said:
“I hope so. There’s no one who wouldn’t love to see Leo come back and play in front of his people, even if only for a short time.” —Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association
Messi, now 38 years old, has already reached the pinnacle of football success, securing numerous titles and personal accolades throughout his career. His potential homecoming to Newell’s would be seen as a poetic conclusion to an illustrious journey.
Inter Miami’s manager discusses transfer rumors involving Messi’s Argentina teammates
Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, has addressed speculation linking Rodrigo De Paul, another Argentine international and Lionel Messi’s teammate, with a move to the MLS club this summer. De Paul, currently playing for Atletico Madrid, has been a topic of discussion among fans and media alike.
Mascherano acknowledged awareness of these rumors but remained cautious about the situation. In an interview with Deporte Total USA via Bolavip, he remarked:
“I’ve also read and heard what’s been reported in the media. There’s nothing official regarding Rodrigo De Paul. I always say the same thing: we need to be cautious because he’s a player under contract with another club, and I don’t like speaking about players who don’t belong to our team. If something changes in the future, I’ll have no problem talking about it.” —Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami manager
He further praised De Paul’s quality and credentials as a World Cup winner and Argentina international, saying:
“He’s a high-quality player, a World Cup champion, he plays for the Argentina national team, and has been competing in Europe for a long time. Players like that are the ones we like. But I don’t know anything about it.” —Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami manager
Inter Miami’s star-studded squad centered on Messi’s influence
Inter Miami continues to build a roster featuring prominent names closely connected to Lionel Messi, including Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. These players bring experience and strong chemistry, reinforcing the club’s ambitions in Major League Soccer while supporting Messi’s role as the team’s leading figure.
The possibility of Messi’s Newell’s Old Boys return, coupled with potential new signings like De Paul, keeps fans eagerly anticipating developments. Such moves could enrich Argentina’s football narrative as some of its greatest talents play both domestically and abroad before bringing their experiences back home for a final chapter.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. Lionel Messi follows the Roman Catholic faith. Although he doesn’t often talk about his beliefs in public, he sometimes mentions his belief in God and his thankfulness for his abilities.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing just before his eleventh birthday had a big impact on him. Since then, his goals are celebrated with a tribute. As a dedicated Catholic, he points to the sky to honor his grandmother.