Argentine President Tells Messi To End Career At Newell's Old Boys

KEY POINTS

Lionel Messi told to consider a return to Old Newell's Boys
Newell known to pull off shock deals in the past
Messi linked to several clubs but hefty transfer fee standing in the way

Lionel Messi's future remains unclear as the Argentine looks determined to bolt Camp Nou. Though there are several clubs linked to the 33-year-old footballer, a sensible place to go to maybe at his homeland.

Argentine president Alberto Fernandez sent a message to Messi, calling on him to return and end his career with Newell's Old Boys. Even at his age, many feel that Messi can still compete at a high level and Argentinians are dreaming of a possible homecoming.

Fans of the Argentine club took the streets recently, holding a parade that could hopefully convince Messi to come home. However it may take more than that although there is reason to believe it can come to fruition, BBC reported.

Newell has a track record of pulling the impossible. Proof of that is their shock signing of Diego Maradona.

"Maradona was at Sevilla in Spain - he was only 33, so he was the same age as Messi - and he came back and signed for Newell's, which was unbelievable at the time. This was the year before the '94 World Cup," Jamie Ralph, the head of the club's English-speaking supporters' club said.

With some push coming from the Argentine president, something could happen. However, there are loose ends that need to be addressed, particularly the hefty asking fee of Barcelona.

"You are in our hearts and we have never seen you play in our country," Fernandez said to C5N via Goal. "Give us the pleasure of ending your career with Newell's Old Boys, your club."

In a previous post, it appeared Messi was bent on leaving Barcelona. Things just went in disarray for the Catalan giants with the club now undergoing a major overhaul under new manager Ronald Koeman.

And as mentioned in a previous post, Messi wants to part with no ill-feelings between him and Barca. He plans to meet with the Barca board to make a peaceful exit.

There are several teams open to taking in Messi. The list includes Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Juventus. However, the $823 million release clause is in the way. That is a sum that will be telling, especially with most clubs strapped financially.