Newell's Old Boys have wasted little time in making their play for Lionel Messi, with a favourite son of the Argentine outfit hitting free agency in Barcelona.
A six-time Ballon d'Or winner has seen his contract expire at Camp Nou, meaning that he could enter into discussions regarding a move away from Catalunya.
Fresh terms are still expected to be agreed at some stage, but Newell's have made it clear that doors would be swung open in Rosario if a familiar face wanted to take a "risk" and return to his roots.
What has been said?
Newell's have posted on Twitter, with Messi's contract at Barca ending on June 30: "Hi Leo, are you there?
"In Argentina just now is July 1. (He who does not risk does not win)"
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Will Messi sign a new contract?
An all-time great has spent his entire senior club career to date with Barcelona.
He has taken in 778 appearances for the Blaugrana, registering a record-setting haul of 672 goals.
A memorable spell in Spain has delivered 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, with the history books being re-written on a regular basis.
Messi did, however, make one push for the exits in 2020, only to then soften that stance as he revealed to Goal that the final 12 months of a lucrative deal would be honoured.
That agreement has now come to a close, but those at Camp Nou remain confident that no parting of ways will take place.
Club president Joan Laporta has stated on a regular basis that he believes a new contract will be agreed, with discussions still being held as Messi shines for his country at this summer's Copa America.
The 34-year-old has stated in the past, though, that he would like to retrace his steps to Newell's, with the club that first spotted his talents as a youngster bidding farewell to a future superstar in 2000.
