VIDEO: Lionel Messi swarmed! Post-game scramble for photos with Argentine icon following emotional friendly date for Inter Miami superstar with first club Newell’s Old Boys

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was once again the star attraction as the Herons brought the curtain down on their pre-season campaign in 2024. Having trekked the globe on a historic international tour, Tata Martino’s side were back on home soil for a meeting with Newell’s.

That contest ended in a 1-1 draw, meaning that Inter Miami have collected just one win from their seven warm-up games heading into the new MLS season. There were, however, plenty of smiles on show at DRV PNK Stadium as Messi took in a reunion with his boyhood club.

Messi was able to see 60 minutes of game time, as he works his way towards full match sharpness. He was happy to pose for pictures afterwards with those eager to get a permanent reminder of the day that they shared a field with the all-time great.

There has been talk of Messi one day retracing steps to Newell’s, allowing him to bring his remarkable career full circle by bowing out where it all began. For now, though, he is tied to a contract in Florida for another two years – with there a 12-month extension option in that deal for 2026.