EXCLUSIVE: The truth behind Lionel Messi to Newell's Old Boys transfer rumours
Lionel Messi has made no plans in regard to his future at Inter Miami amid reports that the superstar has already decided that he will leave the MLS club when his contract runs out in 2025, FootballTransfers has been told.
Reports from Spain have suggested Messi has no plans to extend his contract with the American club and will depart in two years to head back to his childhood team, Newell's Old Boys.
Messi, who has scored 11 goals in his first 12 games with Inter Miami, remains focused on the job at hand, we understand, and the idea of him already deciding to leave at the end of his current deal has been rubbished by those close to the player.
The 36-year-old started at Newell’s Old Boys when he was just six years old, before he was scouted by Barcelona and moved into the club’s youth setup, La Masia.
The idea of Messi returning to his former club has been rumoured before, but the former Paris Saint-Germain player is very much enjoying his time in Florida.
Messi’s affiliation for Newell’s
However, the World Cup winner and Argentina captain shares a deep bond with Newell's, saying that one day he may be open to a move back.
He said: "I've said many times that my dream is to play at Newell's, but I don't know what will happen, and a part of that doubt is due to the way the country is at the moment. I have a family, and my children come first, and then me. I want them to grow up in a calm place, being able to enjoy life with security."
Messi has made visits to Newell's over the years, where he is warmly welcomed as the club’s greatest-ever product.
Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent following the end of his contract at PSG. Barcelona had made an approach for him but he ended up choosing a fresh side ahead of the new season, signing a two-year deal.