The key to Lionel Messi’s return to Argentina and Newell’s Old Boys

It’s what all of Argentina is dreaming about and in particular fans of Newell’s Old Boys. Namely the return of prodigal son - and now World Cup winner - Lionel Messi to Estadio Marcelo Bielsa. Imagine if the current PSG star were to spend a few months playing in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, as the Argentine top flight is known, before the end of his career. According to RMC Sport, it could happen.

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Maxi Rodríguez charity match could be key

The French broadcaster says that a charity match due to take place at Newell’s home ground next summer could be key, with Messi being lined up to feature in a farewell game for the now-retired Maxi Rodríguez, another legendary figure in Rosario. The game is scheduled for 16 June, after the European club season has ended, and is being seen as the perfect opportunity to convince Messi to make the move home.

Agüero: Messi “seriously considering playing for Newell’s”

In recent months, the Argentina captain’s friends have given their views on his possible return to South America: “Leo is seriously considering the possibility of playing for Newell’s”, let slip Sergio Agüero, Messi’s longtime roommate in the national team.

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Rodríguez, who played for Newell’s until January 2022, was more realistic: “Kun is Kun. He can’t keep quiet. We’ll see. It’s hard to talk about it because immediately all kinds of rumours start flying. We are patient and we’ll see what happens”.

Messi’s only professional match in Rosario

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has only played one official match in Rosario in his professional career: a World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil in September 2009. Recent reports suggest that he remains locked in talks over a contract extension at PSG, with Barcelona contemplating making a move to take him back to Catalonia should those discussions lead to nothing. For now, Messi’s Argentine dream looks as if it will have to wait a little longer.