Lionel Messi Leaving Barcelona for Old Boys? 2018 Club Options and Olympic Qualifier Updates
Old Boys are prepping to acquire Lionel Messi. The Newell club housed Messi when he was a very young talent. Now the Argentine squad is out to reclaim their own. There is a possibility that Newell will have a chance to sign Messi in two year's time.
Messi likes the idea of donning Old Boys jersey again
It seems that Newell's vice president Cristian D'Amico took Messi's statement that he wants to play again in Argentina. Messi said that it is a consideration to specifically play with Newell again at some point. Although not thoroughly detailed, Messi emphasized that anything can happen. The idea of return to Newell isn't bad either.
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Messi as Newell's debt redemption
D'Amico jokingly explained that Newell is deep in debts and the best solution is Messi. It is a known fact that Messi is one of the highest paid athlete in the planet and Newell might get bankrupt paying his salary. However, the revenue that can be generated with Messi will fill the financial gap and potentially a profit.
Messi will turn 31 in 2018, in time for contract expiration with current club Barcelona. There are no reports yet where the superstar will go by then. Apart from Newell, there are several high-profile teams that are prematurely wooing the midfielder.
Messi is back in the Olympic qualifiers
Meanwhile in a related development, Messi is in Argentina next month to participate in a couple of Olympic qualifiers. The match will mark Messi's return in international competition after stepping down in Copa America Centenario. Messi quits with coach Gerardo Martino after an embarrassing defeat against Chile.
The backlash was coupled with unfruitful campaign in the recently-concluded Rio Games. Argentina made early goodbyes in the group stage of the Olympics.
National coach Edgardo Bauza said that they have no option for the national squad but call on Messi. There is a move to ease over dependency on Messi but recent results dictate that they have to field him again. Bauza admits that there is huge difference when Messi is around since lots of openings can be exploited.
Building the team around Messi
Bauza also gave a preview of what to expect in September 1 qualifier against Uruguay and September 6 match against Venezuela. He said that there is a standing order to pass the ball to Messi at any opportunity. These passes should be done only when Messi has the option to return the ball in tight situations. Bauza explained that the rationale is not to tire Messi and give the other teammates chances to act themselves.
