Messi Linked With Newells Old Boys Loan Return In 2027 Amid MLS Calendar Shift

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Lionel Messi could yet appear again for Newell's Old Boys, with the Rosario club confirming talks over a potential return while the forward continues to collect major honours with Inter Miami, including back-to-back MLS Most Valuable Player awards.

Messi claimed the MLS MVP prize for a second straight season in 2025, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive campaigns, after recording 29 goals and 19 assists and taking the Golden Boot ahead of Sam Surridge and Denis Bouanga.

Newell's Old Boys vice president Juan Manuel Medina said discussions had taken place with Lionel Messi's camp about a future loan move, even though Messi signed a new three-year agreement with Inter Miami that initially appeared to rule out a return to Argentina.

Messi first joined Newell's Old Boys at seven years old, before leaving Rosario to sign for Barcelona at 13, and talk of a comeback has surfaced several times, but negotiations reported this week pointed towards a short spell back at Newell's early in 2027.

Reports in Argentina indicated Newell's Old Boys were exploring a loan arrangement with the MLS Cup holders that would allow Lionel Messi to play in Rosario at the beginning of 2027, then rejoin Inter Miami in time for the adjusted 2027-28 MLS season, when the league shifts its timetable to mirror leading European competitions.

Asked by TN about talks with Messi's entourage, Medina said: "The idea was discussed and raised, but today there is nothing definite. It is a project that transcends Newell's. It is a project of the city of Rosario, the province of SantaFe and Argentinian football. It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports scheme."

The potential move would see Messi emulate childhood dreams held by many Newell's supporters, while Inter Miami would retain the player for the new MLS cycle, and Medina stressed that any deal must match expectations for facilities and competitive standards in Rosario.