Dominguez Urges Messi's Newell's Return for Libertadores

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has urged Newell’s Old Boys to create the conditions for Lionel Messi to make an eventual return to Rosario, saying the Argentina captain deserves to play in the Copa Libertadores with his childhood club.

Dominguez made the appeal at Estadio Monumental after watching Messi bring down the curtain on a 21-year Argentina career from the stands. He described the Rosario-born forward as “a real source of pride for South America” and insisted a homecoming should not be ruled out.

“Nothing compares with it,” Dominguez said of the prospect of Messi representing Newell’s in the continent’s leading club tournament. “It is special, and it is something he deserves. If I were running a club, I would do everything I could to bring him back.”

Newell’s qualification is the key

Dominguez said Messi’s attachment to the club remains clear, but stressed that Newell’s must earn a route into the Libertadores before any future deal could become realistic.

“Why not? His heart is there,” he said when asked whether the return could happen. “But it depends on Newell’s president and Newell’s supporters. We need Newell’s to qualify.”

The club are sixth in Group A with 17 points from 11 games. They need either domestic silverware or a place in the top five of the aggregate standings to reach the Copa Libertadores; otherwise, their continental destination would be the Copa Sudamericana.

Miami commitment remains

Any reunion is not close. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028, leaving Newell’s with years to establish themselves consistently among South America’s leading sides.

The 39-year-old is now returning to the United States for the final stretch of the MLS regular season, with Miami also preparing for a demanding play-off run. Managing his workload in Florida is the immediate priority, while the Rosario return remains a long-term possibility.