BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, has outlined plans to sign the World Cup winner on a short-term deal next year.
The Argentine team's vice president, Juan Manuel Medina, said the club had discussed the plan since 2024 but did not provide details of any direct negotiations with the 38-year-old.
"We are working on Leo playing for Newell's in the first half of 2027, but for now there is nothing more than that," Medina told Argentine news outlet TN.
Messi began his youth career at Newell's in 1995 before signing with Barcelona at the age of 13 in late 2000.
He is currently contracted to Inter Miami until December 2028, meaning he would need special permission from the MLS club.
"It's a project that goes beyond Newell's," Medina added. "It's a project for the city of Rosario, the province and Argentine football. It all depends on what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and a competitive sports program."
Messi's former Argentina international teammate Angel Di Maria is also from Rosario and is currently playing with Newell's local rival Rosario Central.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has previously expressed a desire to finish his career at Newell's, having never played professional club football in his homeland. ■
