'I know how much he wants to come' - Lionel Messi's 'glorious' homecoming at Newell's Old Boys talked up by club president amid Inter Miami contract uncertainty

The Rosario-based club, which nurtured Messi’s early talent before he moved to Barcelona in 2000, has been vocal about its desire to welcome the football icon back to where it all began. Newell's president Ignacio Astore has stoked anticipation by talking up the possibility, but also acknowledged that the final call rests with Messi himself.

Messi’s current deal with Inter Miami, signed in 2023, is officially set to run until the end of 2025. However, the contract reportedly includes a 12-month extension clause that would allow him to remain in Major League Soccer through 2026. Though widely expected to activate that option, nothing has yet been confirmed by Miami, fuelling rumours about a potential return to Argentina.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Astore expressed the collective hope held by the Newell’s community regarding a potential Messi return.

"It's something he has to decide," he said. "I haven't spoken to the player. I don't think it's appropriate to speak to him because it would put him in an awkward position. Maybe he has a contract, maybe he feels it's not the right time, maybe he has other family commitments... I know the appreciation he has for the institution and how much he wants to come."

Astore also revealed that Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia is another figure quietly campaigning for Messi to return to his homeland’s football scene.

"He's constantly working on this," Astore said in a separate interview with Radio Con Vos. "Messi is missing a Copa Argentina, a Copa Sudamericana, and a Libertadores, because he has all the other titles. It's his decision."

Though Messi’s bond with Barcelona is eternal and his current stint in the U.S. continues to draw global attention, Rosario also remains close to his heart, and the football world would relish seeing him don the red and black shirt of Newell’s again before retiring.

In the meantime, Messi remains fully committed to his current club duties. Inter Miami are preparing for their historic appearance at the Club World Cup, where they will debut against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on June 14.