Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is reportedly considering a move back to his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, in what would be a historic homecoming. According to reports, the Argentine club and Messi have reached an agreement in principle for a short-term loan that would see him don the Newell's jersey from January to June 2027. Following this stint, he would return to Inter Miami to complete his contract, which runs until 2028.

Newell's Old Boys' vice-president, Juan Manuel Medina, has confirmed the club's strong interest in bringing Messi back to Rosario. Medina told Argentine news outlet TN that they are "working on having Leo play for Newell's in the first half of 2027". He emphasized that this endeavor extends beyond the club itself, envisioning it as "a project for the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football".

The proposed deal is structured as a loan from Inter Miami, allowing Messi to play for Newell's during the MLS offseason. This arrangement would allow Messi to fulfill his long-held ambition of representing the club where he began his youth career. He was part of Newell's youth ranks from 1994 to 1999 before joining Barcelona's academy.

Securing Messi's return involves addressing significant logistical challenges. Club President Ignacio Boero has reportedly engaged with the local government in Santa Fe to create a comprehensive security plan, ensuring the safety of Messi and his family during their stay in Rosario. Safety concerns have been a major obstacle in the past, but Boero is taking "decisive steps" to provide Messi with "adequate peace of mind".

While the prospect of Messi returning to his roots is generating excitement, some argue that the move is unlikely. Concerns have been raised about Newell's Old Boys' financial capacity to afford the transfer, including insurance. Others believe Inter Miami and MLS would be unwilling to let Messi leave, even for a short period. Despite these doubts, the possibility of seeing Messi in a Newell's shirt has captured the imagination of fans and football enthusiasts alike.

If the loan goes through, there is the question of how long Messi would stay in Argentina, and how it would affect his time with Inter Miami. A half-year stay would mean Messi missing a considerable part of the MLS season, which begins in February. Similar deals have occurred before, such as when LA Galaxy loaned David Beckham to AC Milan.

Despite the uncertainties, the dream of Messi's return remains alive, fueled by the determination of Newell's Old Boys and the player's own desire to play for his boyhood club.