Lionel Messi, the legendary striker for Inter Miami, has repeatedly expressed a deep wish to pull on the Newell’s Old Boys jersey in Argentina. He recalls his childhood days on the club’s fields, where his early football dreams took shape. “It’s my dream to play for Newell’s Old Boys,” he said, underscoring a personal connection that traces back to his earliest days in the sport, before turning pro.
Messi’s football journey began with Newell’s Old Boys, where he played for his school team from 1994 to 2000. This foundation paved the way for his move to the Barcelona academy in 2000, where his talents would blossom into a global phenomenon. The path from a local youth program to one of the world’s most storied clubs illustrates how formative roots in Argentina can shape a career that spans continents.
After two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. He made an immediate impact, opening his Inter Miami account with a free-kick goal on his debut, signaling the start of a prolific spell with the club. In his first 12 appearances for Inter Miami, he tallied 11 goals and contributed 5 assists, quickly becoming a focal point of the team’s attacking play.
Any discussion of Messi’s impact in American football circles would be incomplete without noting a milestone in August: Inter Miami captured the Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville in a tense penalty shootout (10-9) after a dramatic final. The victory marked Messi’s first trophy in the United States and added another chapter to his storied career in MLS.
On the international stage, Messi achieved the pinnacle of football success by captaining Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in December 2022. The triumph solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and resonated with fans across the Americas, highlighting the long-standing ties between Argentine football and the broader global scene.
Messi has often reflected on his day-to-day life in Miami, sharing anecdotes about balancing training, family, and the unique rhythms of living in a new country. His remarks reveal a player who remains deeply connected to his roots while embracing new experiences on and off the pitch. The ongoing conversation about a possible return to his boyhood club continues to captivate fans, illustrating how a player’s origins can endure despite a highly cosmopolitan career. [citation: Messi career overview]