Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will be joining Inter Miami as his final club, putting an end to speculation that he would return to Newell’s Old Boys to finish his illustrious career.
Messi, aged 36, started his football career at Newell’s youth academy. Reports from a Catalonian newspaper, El Nacional, suggested that he would make a return to the club in 2025. However, Messi debunked this claim in an interview with ESPN Argentina, mentioning that there is a sense of ‘fear’ surrounding his eventual retirement. “I’ve dedicated my entire life to this sport, I love the training, the matches,” he explained. “The thought of it all coming to an end is always in the back of my mind.”
Lionel Messi is warmly welcomed by the Newell’s Old Boys team as they celebrate their preseason victory against Miami.
Messi made his comeback to the Argentina squad in the Sunday night game against Ecuador. At the young age of six, Messi began his professional career with Newell’s, spending five years with the team before transferring to Barcelona, where he eventually won the Ballon d’Or. During a preseason friendly between Miami and Newell’s this winter, Messi received a warm welcome from his former teammates after the match.
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of 2025, having joined the team in July 2023. He is having a stellar season in the MLS, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in only 12 league games. There has been speculation about Messi’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup, with reports from ESPN suggesting he may be reconsidering his participation. However, fans can still expect to see him representing his country in the Copa America this summer.
He made his return to the field with La Albiceleste after a six-month absence earlier this week, helping Argentina secure a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a friendly match. He came on as a substitute for Angel Di Maria in the 58th minute of the game, just 10 days before Argentina’s first match in the Copa America against Canada.
