No talks on Messi’s return to Argentina’s boyhood club – Report

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2026 match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF at GEODIS Park on March 11, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

There are currently no negotiations for Lionel Messi to return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.

According to transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, on X on Friday, Messi is very happy at Inter Miami, and so is his family.

The Argentine star intends to fulfill his current contract, which runs until at least the end of 2028.

“There are no negotiations taking place for Lionel Messi’s return to Newell’s Old Boys despite reports. Messi is very happy at Inter Miami, same for his family. Leo wants to fulfill his current deal until 2028, at least, could be even longer, to be evaluated later on,” Romano posted

A longer stay remains possible and will be evaluated later.

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Speculation in Argentine media has grown over the past day, with some reports claiming Messi has never been closer to a move back to Rosario, potentially as early as January 2027.

Newell’s have long expressed interest in bringing the club’s most famous youth product home for a spell toward the end of his career.

However, those reports appear to have overstated the situation. Messi remains fully focused on Inter Miami, where he has settled successfully since joining in 2023 and recently extended his stay through 2028.

While a future return to Newell’s cannot be completely ruled out later in his career, there are no active talks at present.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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