Lionel Messi potentially returning to Newell’s Old Boys on loan

Lionel Messi may return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, on a temporary loan starting in January 2027. The Argentine football star is currently under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028, but discussions have reportedly begun between the leadership of Newell’s and Inter Miami to explore a loan arrangement.

The proposed plan involves Messi playing in the Argentine Apertura tournament, which begins in late January 2027, before returning to the United States in May to resume his duties in Major League Soccer (MLS). This timeline aligns with a projected shift in the MLS calendar that would leave Inter Miami without competitive matches during the early months of 2027.

While interest from the club and the player’s family is reported, several logistical hurdles remain. These include the need for formal agreement between the two clubs, authorization from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and addressing security and stadium capacity concerns to manage the massive demand expected for matches featuring Messi.