Former Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez says that he is hopeful that Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will join Newell’s Old Boys after the end of the World Cup 2018.
Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Messi has incredibly never played much of his football in Argentina. He joined Barcelona as a youngster and has never looked back since. However, he has recently spoken about his desire to retire back in his home country. After starting out his career withNewell’s Old Boys, it is highly probable that Messi will chose to end his career at this club.
Any club in the world will find it hard to afford Lionel Messi without any help from the player. He has a release clause in his contract with more than £250 million and not to mention the astronomical wages of around £15 million per season. The left footed attacker’s contract with Barcelona comes to an end in June 2018.
There has been no talk about a new deal which has led to speculation that Messi may decide to call time upon his European adventure. The 29-year-old will be 31 just after the completion of the World Cup. It would provide him with an opportunity to represent Newell’s Old Boys for a couple of years before retiring.
“Hopefully some day we will have the chance to see Messi play for Newell’s.I think that if it will happen, it will be after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. I do not think it is an option before the World Cup.When we heard about Messi’s comments saying that he would like to return to Newell’s one day, the club was revolutionised,” said Rodriguez. After representing the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, Rodriguez returned to the Argentine club back in 2012 and has already made more than 100 appearances.