Newell’s Old Boys ‘working’ on plan for Barcelona legend Lionel Messi to return in 2027

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi pays tribute for late Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona by revealing a Newell's Old Boys jersey after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on November 29, 2020. (Photo by J. Bassa / AFP) (Photo by J. BASSA/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could be heading back to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys before he finally hangs up his boots.

Messi started off at Newell’s before jetting over to Europe and signing for Barcelona. He’s always said he’d love to play for his boyhood club again and could be granted his wish.

The club’s vice president Juan Manuel Medina has now revealed they are working on a plan to have Messi play for the club once more.

“We are working on Leo playing for Newell’s in the first half of 2027,” the Medina told TN. “It’s a project that goes beyond Newell’s.

“It’s a project for the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football. It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports program.”

The plan seems to be for Messi to play for Newell’s potentially on loan during the MLS off-season. A ‘transition season’ is planned for 2027 as the MLS attempts to align with European leagues.

Messi is currently at Inter Miami and has signed a contract that runs until 2028. That could be his last in professional football, with the 38-year-old having previously revealed he does want to return home to Barcelona to live with his family.

Source: barcablaugranes.com