Newell's Old Boys vice-president Juan Manuel Medina has announced that the club are "working on" a 2027 homecoming transfer for Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami superstar took his first steps into football at youth level with the Argentine club, who are eager to bring him back as the face of a new "project for the city of Rosario".
The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.
Lionel Messi has seen a return to his roots in Argentina speculated on in the recent past, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting emotional ties to Newell’s Old Boys. A presidential candidate there - ahead of elections being held - has explained what would need to happen in order for the Inter Miami superstar to leave MLS and head back home to Rosario.
Angel Di Maria lit up the Clasico Rosarino with a breathtaking free-kick as Rosario Central secured a 1-0 win over Newell's Old Boys in the Argentine top flight. The 37-year-old curled home a sensational strike in front of an electric Estadio Gigante de Arroyito crowd, earning his first-ever derby victory and extending Central's dominant streak over their city rivals.
Lionel Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys questioned Real Madrid legend Keylor Navas' professionalism as the Costa Rican goalkeeper left the Argentine club after just six months to join Liga MX side Pumas. Newell's will receive compensation worth $2 million (£1.4m) from the Mexican team. Navas moved to Argentina in January after spending nearly 15 years in Europe.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Liverpool founded?
The story behind the birth of Liverpool as we know it today is quite interesting. Originally, it was Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton who would play their games at Anfield. However, after Everton decided to play their games elsewhere following a dispute in March 1892, John Houlding, the owner of Anfield at the time, decided to form his own club called Liverpool F.C.
Who are the owners of Liverpool?
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), an American multinational sports holding conglomerate, is the owner of Liverpool. FSG purchased the club in 2010 through subsidiaries N.E.S.V.I, LLC and the UK-based UKSV Holdings Company Limited.
What is Liverpool's stadium called?
Liverpool are playing their home games at the illustrious Anfield Stadium, which was built in 1884 and has since undergone several renovations, the latest being completed in 2024.
What is Anfield's capacity?
Anfield has a capacity of 61,276, with the renovation of the Anfield Road Stand in the latter half of the 2023-24 campaign taking the stadium's capacity past the 60,000-mark.
How many trophies have Liverpool won?
Liverpool have won a stellar 67 trophies throughout their history, which includes six Champions Leagues, 19 top-flight titles, and six FA Cups.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Liverpool won?
Liverpool are the second-most successful English side in terms of top flight titles with 19, just one shy of Manchester United. Their previous league glory came in the 2019-20 season, which remains their only league title till date in the Premier League era.
Who has made the most appearances for Liverpool?
Former English midfielder Ian Callaghan made 857 appearances for the Reds. He is the only player in Liverpool history to have made over 800 appearances for the club.
Who is Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer?
Liverpool icon Ian Rush is the club's all-time top goalscorer, finding the back of the net 346 times in 660 games.
Which famous players have played for Liverpool?
Luis Suarez, Ian Rush, Mohamed Salah, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, James Milner, Fernando Torres, and Michael Owen are among the most popular players to have donned the Liverpool jersey.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Liverpool?
Brendan Rodgers, Bill Shankly, Jurgen Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, Rafael Benitez, and Gerard Houllier are some of the most prominent managers to have been at the helm for Liverpool.
What is Liverpool's nickname?
Liverpool are famously known as The Reds. The media as well as the club's supporters coined the term during the 1965-66 season, when the team first wore an all-red attire for the games.