Lionel Messi’s Plan for Retirement: A Return to Newell’s Old Boys?

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July took the football world by storm, but it seems the Argentine legend is already considering the next chapter of his illustrious career. While Messi has been in fine form, scoring 11 goals in 11 league and cup games and helping Miami secure their first-ever Leagues Cup, he’s eyeing a return to his home country before retiring.

In a recent interview with Argentine media outlet Olga, he expressed a deep desire to play in Argentina once more, particularly for his beloved club, Newell’s Old Boys, where his football journey began.

“I always had the idea of ​​being able to enjoy Argentine football, to play for Newell’s and, even more, to be world champion,” Messi revealed, showcasing his enduring passion for the game and his homeland.

At age 36 Messi shows no signs of slowing down, but the inevitable question of his post-retirement plans looms. When asked about his future, Messi responded, “What am I going to do after I retire? I don’t think about it and I don’t want to think about it. I want to continue to love what I do. I don’t want to think about the future; I want to enjoy it as much as possible. What I love most is playing and playing football.”

While Messi had previously hinted that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar might be his last on the international stage, his immediate focus is on next summer’s Copa America. As for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Messi sees it as too distant to make any definitive decisions.

“I want to arrive at the Copa America in good condition,” Messi explained. “Then I will see depending on my state of form. I’m not thinking about the next World Cup yet because it’s far away. The years have passed, and we have to see how I feel; I will see it day by day.”

Messi’s desire to return to Argentine football and potentially Newell’s Old Boys, where his incredible journey began, resonates with fans worldwide. As he continues to dazzle on the pitch, football enthusiasts eagerly await his next moves, both on the field and beyond.