Newell's president eyes Messi signature after World Cup

The president of Argentinean club Newell's Old Boys, Cristian D’Amico, has always harboured the desire to bring Leo Messi back to Rosario. Messi himself has said on occasion that he has thought about bringing an end to his career at his boyhood club, although he has never given any guarantees that he will do so.

"Make history with Messi in a Newell's shirt"

However, D’Amico is confident that he can pull off quite the transfer coup. “I’m convinced, as are many of my colleagues, that the club can make history if we can get the best player in the world to wear the shirt of Newell’s.”

D’Amico is also keenly aware of the benefits a Leo Messi-inspired side would bring: “Imagine a game in the Colosso with Messi, with the world’s press and the sponsors that would come. He would make a big difference and economically speaking, as well as the sentimental value, it would mean a huge difference for the club to clear its debts.”

"In two years"

The Newell’s president expressed his confidence of pulling off the deal even earlier than expected, “in two years,” after the World Cup in 2018 when Messi will be 31.