What's Happening?
Newell's Old Boys, an Argentine football club, is actively working on a plan to bring Lionel Messi back to his boyhood club in 2027. The club's first vice president, Juan Manuel Medina, confirmed that the initiative involves not just the club but also the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football as a whole. Messi, who is currently with Inter Miami, has a contract that extends until the end of 2028. The 38-year-old football star, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, began his career with Newell's youth teams before moving to FC Barcelona. This move is seen as a significant effort to bring Messi back to his roots.
Why It's Important?
The potential return of Lionel Messi to Newell's Old Boys is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights
the enduring connection between Messi and his hometown, which could boost local and national pride. Economically, Messi's return could attract substantial attention and investment in Argentine football, potentially revitalizing the sport in the region. For Newell's Old Boys, having a player of Messi's caliber could enhance their competitive edge and increase their global profile. Additionally, this move could influence other Argentine players abroad to consider returning home, impacting the dynamics of player transfers in international football.
What's Next?
If the plan to bring Messi back to Newell's Old Boys materializes, it could set a precedent for other clubs in Argentina to pursue similar strategies with their former players. The move could also prompt discussions about the role of local clubs in nurturing and retaining talent. As Messi prepares to defend Argentina's World Cup title in North America, his performance and decisions in the coming years will be closely watched. The success of this initiative could depend on negotiations between Newell's, Messi, and Inter Miami, as well as the broader support from the Argentine football community.
