Lionel Messi no longer plays professional club soccer in Argentina, but his departure from international farewell duties in Buenos Aires leaves open a multi-year window regarding a potential career finish line at his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys. According to SI.com reporting, Argentina bade farewell to Messi during a sold-out friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires, shifting the forward’s sole focus toward Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer.
Messi Remains with Inter Miami Until 2028
Messi still has two years left on his contract with Inter Miami, committing him to the Major League Soccer franchise until 2028, when he will turn 41 years old. SI.com reported that no MLS team has won back-to-back championships since the LA Galaxy accomplished the feat in 2011 and 2012, placing the Herons in prime position to contend in the 2026 playoffs.
Childhood Dream of Playing for Newell’s Old Boys
Returning to Argentina to play professionally would realize a stated childhood dream for the forward. During a 2019 interview with FIFA cited by SI.com, Messi admitted it remains a lifelong ambition to play in the Newell’s shirt, though he noted that family priorities take precedence. Messi joined the youth ranks of the club in his home city of Rosario in 1995 and spent five years there before transferring to Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 13.
Copa Libertadores Challenge Issued by CONMEBOL President
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez publicly challenged Messi to play in South America’s premier club tournament during the Buenos Aires farewell events. While Newell’s Old Boys finished 27th out of 30 teams in the 2025 aggregate standings and failed to qualify for the 2026 competition, Domínguez expressed a strong desire to see the Argentine star participate in the tournament.
Precedent for South American Homecomings
Returning to domestic leagues in South America remains a well-trodden path for veterans who spent their prime years in Europe. SI.com highlighted several high-profile returns, noting that Luis Suárez played 14 games for Nacional in Uruguay, Carlos Tevez completed two separate stints with Boca Juniors, and Ángel Di María joined Rosario Central in 2025. Meanwhile, Sergio Agüero was forced into early retirement by a heart condition before he could rejoin Independiente.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi’s Future
When does Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami expire?
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, at which point he will turn 41 years old.
Did Messi respond to the Copa Libertadores challenge?
Messi offered no direct verbal response when CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez asked him to accept the challenge at Estadio Monumental, though the interaction was recorded and posted on social media.
Where did Lionel Messi play youth soccer before moving to Europe?
Messi began his youth career in 1995 with Newell’s Old Boys in his home city of Rosario before moving to Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2000 at age 13.