Newell's Old Boys manager invites Lionel Messi to seal shock homecoming transfer as Inter Miami superstar tipped to revive partnership with ex-Argentina team-mate

Rosario native Messi spent time in Newell’s youth system before heading to Barcelona in 2000 and starting out on a path to superstardom. He is now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the most decorated player of all-time.

Messi is currently plying his trade in MLS for Inter Miami, with there an extension option in his contract with the Herons for 2026. At 37 years of age, it remains to be seen how many more seasons the Argentine GOAT has left in him.

Newell’s are hoping that a prodigal son can be convinced to return to his roots before hanging up record-breaking boots, with the South American outfit rightly proud of helping to put Messi and Diego Maradona on the road to greatness.

Quizzed on a potential deal with Messi, Newell’s manager Cristian Fabbiani told ESPN F90: "I hope Messi comes to play for just four months, whenever he wants. A tournament lasts that long, four months. He could make a good duo with Ever [Banega]."

Messi has played alongside Banega for Argentina in the past. They savoured gold medal glory at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and took in several outings together when representing their country at senior level.