NEWELL’S OLD BOYS fans took to the streets to try and convince Lionel Messi to return home.
The Barcelona forward has told his current club he wants to leave after the LaLiga giants’ dismal end to the season.
Newell’s Old Boys fans made their presence known on Thursday
The Argentine club are an outside bet to swoop for Lionel Messi
And the Rosario-born forward could be compelled to move back to Argentina and the team he left at just 13 years old.
On Thursday night, thousands of Newell’s fans made their case to their former prodigal son.
A huge convoy of cars, red and black scarves dangling out the windows, drove through Rosario to show their love for Messi.
Fans lit flares, chanted and waved flags as they congregated in the city.
Old Boys finished tenth in the curtailed 2019/20 Primera Division campaign.
Messi, 33, has previously spoken of his desire to return to Argentina but was not thought to be planning such a move until later in his career.
He said in 2017: “The desire is always playing for Newell’s, it is what I dreamed as a kid.
“When I went to the club I imagined playing in the Primera Division, but I do not know what’s going to happen in a few years.
Messi has said he would one day like to return to Rosario
Newell’s fans chanted “your dream, our desire” to lure back their hero
“I cannot say I’m going back because I do not know where I’m going to be.”
As things stand, Manchester City appear to be the most likely club to swoop for the striker.
Pep Guardiola has already reportedly discussed the move with Messi, amid interest from Inter Milan.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of any potential deal, which could become mired in the courts.
Barcelona are demanding a fee for their talisman, who has attempted to enact a clause that allows him to leave for free.
Nevertheless, the Catalans believe that clause to have expired in June and could press for the full £630million buyout fee stipulated in his contract.
Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
