Lionel Messi considers returning to Newell’s Old Boys. Sergio Agüero, former teammate and good friend of Messi, reports this to the Brazilian UOL Esporte. Aguero also says he thinks there is a “fifty percent” chance that Messi will return to Barcelona. The Argentinian is still under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until mid-2023. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has now also expressed caution about a possible return to Catalonia. “Messi knows that Barca’s doors are open.”
There is a lot to do about the future of Messi. The Argentinian seemed to be close to an agreement with PSG, but a scribble under a new contract has still not been made. “He is seriously thinking about playing for Newell’s Old Boys,” says Agüero about Messi’s future plans. The latter played five years for the club from Rosario, after which la Pulga joined the Barcelona youth academy. At the beginning of this month, Newell’s trainer Gabriel Heinze spoke out about a possible return. “I’m a bit embarrassed to talk about Messi,” the former defender said Mundo Deportivo. “The only one who had to decide whether he comes back or not is himself. No one has an obligation to come.”
Aguero also spoke out about a possible return of Messi to Barcelona, where the now 35-year-old attacker grew into a world star. “I think there is a 50 per cent chance that he will return to Spain and play for Barcelona again. That is his home. If Laporta takes a step and contacts him, I think Messi’s return is a serious possibility.” Laporta also commented on a possible return of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner on Friday. “Messi knows that Barca’s doors are open,” he added The Business and Money Behind Sports. “We’ll see. I have to find a way to improve the current relationship between Messi and Barca.”
“The legacy when I became president was not a good one,” Laporta continues. “I had to make a decision that I’m not happy with.” Messi left the Spotify Camp Nou on a free transfer in 2021 and signed a two-year contract with PSG. Messi seemed to extend his commitment in the French capital until mid-2024, but that has not happened to date. Club watcher Gerard Romero reported this week that Messi wants to return to Barcelona next summer. Laporta keeps a low profile. “Messi is the best player in history. He is the most important player in Barça’s history. I have to be careful what I say. Messi is a PSG player and I have to respect that. leo know that we have closed him in our hearts.”