Lionel Messi has reportedly ruled out an immediate return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, with the Argentine football icon determined to honour his contract with Inter Miami until at least 2028.
The latest development comes amid growing speculation that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could return to Argentina as early as January 2027, potentially bringing his career full circle at the club where his football journey began.
However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has dismissed the reports, revealing that no negotiations are taking place for Messi to rejoin the Rosario-based side.
According to Romano, the 39-year-old forward is happy at Inter Miami, while his family is also settled in the United States. The player reportedly wants to complete his existing contract before considering what comes next.
Messi’s current deal runs through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season, although the possibility of extending his stay beyond that date remains open.
No Negotiations With Newell’s Old Boys
Rumours of Messi’s possible return to Argentina generated excitement among Newell’s supporters, who have long hoped to see the club’s most celebrated former academy player return before retiring.
The forward began his football development at Newell’s in Rosario before moving to Barcelona as a teenager, where he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in football history.
Recent reports suggested that a temporary return to Argentina could happen in January 2027, potentially allowing Messi to spend part of the season with his boyhood club.
Romano, however, said there was no active negotiation for such a move and no current plan for Messi to leave Inter Miami on loan.
The latest update has therefore dampened expectations of an immediate reunion, although a return to Argentina later in his career cannot be completely ruled out.
Messi Remains Committed to Inter Miami
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, transforming the club’s international profile and helping it achieve major milestones.
His arrival attracted worldwide attention to Major League Soccer, while his performances have made him central to the club’s sporting ambitions.
Inter Miami officially announced in October 2025 that Messi had signed a contract extension running through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
When the extension was announced, Messi expressed happiness about continuing with the club and excitement about playing at its new home, Miami Freedom Park.
The agreement provides stability for Inter Miami as it continues building its project around the Argentine captain.
Messi’s commitment is also significant for the league, given his impact on global interest in American football and his influence on the club’s commercial profile.
Could Messi Stay Beyond 2028?
Although Messi is reportedly focused on completing his current contract, Romano indicated that a further extension could be considered in the future.
No decision has been announced about what the Argentine will do after 2028. Any potential continuation would depend on his wishes and circumstances at the time.
At 39, Messi remains one of football’s most recognisable figures, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and collected numerous domestic and international honours throughout his career.
For Newell’s supporters, the dream of seeing him return to Rosario remains alive, but there is currently no confirmed agreement or active negotiation pointing towards an immediate move.
Focus Remains on Miami
For now, Messi’s priority is to continue his career with Inter Miami rather than pursue a return to Argentina.
The latest reports suggest that the forward and his family are comfortable in Miami, while the club can continue planning around a player whose contract extends through 2028.
Although speculation about his long-term future is likely to continue, the current position is straightforward: Messi intends to honour his existing deal, and any decision about his next chapter will come later.
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