A bombshell just dropped in Argentine football: Lionel Messi is reportedly planning to return to Newell’s Old Boys in December. The scoop came from journalist Flavio Azzaro on his streaming channel AZZ, where he revealed that the Argentina captain wants to fulfill his dream of wearing the La Lepra jersey — the club he supported as a kid.

Politics and family play a role

According to Azzaro, several things still need to fall into place. “The conditions have to be right — there are political issues, elections at Newell’s, and it’ll take some serious planning,” he explained on his show No podemos perder, alongside fellow journalist Hugo Balassone. He also added that Messi’s family is on board, at least for a short stay: “The kids could handle moving to Argentina, maybe just for six months.”

While he admitted that pulling this off won’t be easy, Azzaro was clear: “Right now, Messi’s mind is made up. We’ll have to see if everything else lines up. I’m not saying it’s a done deal — but that’s where his head’s at.”

Newell’s and AFA are dreaming

In Rosario, the buzz is real. Newell’s president Ignacio Astore stoked the fire during an interview with TyC Sports: “I know how much love he has for this club and how badly he wants to come back.” He also confirmed that AFA president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia is actively involved in trying to make it happen.