# Lionel Messi potential return to Argentine football

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-messi-potential-return-to-argentine-football
> Updated: 2026-10-08T15:25:19.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Following his retirement from the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi has been linked to a potential return to Argentine football with Newell’s Old Boys. The president of Newell’s Old Boys, Ignacio Boero, previously indicated that while transfer discussions exist, the club would not apply pressure due to personal difficulties involving the player, stating, “It is about respect.”

Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez has since expressed interest in seeing Messi compete in the Copa Libertadores, describing the tournament as a ‘pending task’ in the striker’s career. Domínguez noted that a move to Newell’s Old Boys would depend on the player’s intentions and the club’s leadership, adding that a necessary sporting condition would be for the Rosario-based club to qualify for the Copa Libertadores through official AFA competitions.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Conmebol President suggests Lionel Messi should play in Copa Libertadores

Conmebol President Alejandro Domínguez has suggested that Lionel Messi should compete in the Copa Libertadores, potentially with his former club Newell’s Old Boys if they qualify.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conmebol-president-suggests-lionel-messi-should-play-in-copa-libertadores

### 2026-09-19: Leo Messi linked to Newell’s Old Boys amid national team retirement

Leo Messi is linked to a potential move to Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, while also preparing to play his final matches for the Argentina national team.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leo-messi-linked-to-newells-old-boys-amid-national-team-retirement

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Cite as: Lionel Messi potential return to Argentine football. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-messi-potential-return-to-argentine-football