Lionel Messi has confirmed that Inter Miami will be his “last club,” putting to rest any speculation about a possible return to Newell’s Old Boys to conclude his illustrious career. The 36-year-old, who began his professional journey with Newell’s at age six, had previously been linked to a potential return in 2025, but he clarified his intentions in an interview with ESPN Argentina, expressing concerns about his impending retirement.

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Messi stated, “I’ve done this all my life; I enjoy the training sessions, the games. The fear that it’s all over is always there.”

Currently under contract with Inter Miami until December 2025 after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in July 2023, Messi has been in remarkable form in MLS, netting 12 goals and providing 13 assists in just 12 league matches.

He also hinted at uncertainty regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, although he is set to compete in the upcoming Copa America this summer. Recently, he made his return to the Argentine national team, playing for the first time in six months during a friendly against Ecuador, where Argentina won 1-0. Messi replaced Ángel Di María in the 58th minute, just days before their Copa America opener against Canada.

Messi’s connection to Newell’s remains strong, as evidenced by the warm reception he received from former club players during a preseason friendly between Miami and Newell’s this winter.