Argentina captain and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi will play a match for his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys, it has now been confirmed. It is being learnt that ex-Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez had extended an invitation to Messi as well as Sergio Aguero to feature in his testimonial match on June 23.
It is worth highlighting that Rodriguez had announced his retirement from professional football in 2021 but the COVID-19 pandemic had pushed back the date of his retirement match which will now be played in June.
Messi and Aguero are no strangers to each other and were part of the Argentina side that lifted the World Cup in Qatar last year. They were both in fact roomates during the successful campaign.
“Hopefully, it’ll be an unforgettable day. Messi’s invited, that’s for sure. We want him there, but he’ll decide as the game approaches. Leo, like everyone else you can imagine, will try to be there,” Rodriguez told Football Transfers.
Not too long ago, it was Messi's boyhood club who had supported him by putting a banner in his support after his wife Antonela Roccuzzo's family business was attacked earlier this year.
The 35-year-old was addressed a hand-written note which was left on a supermarket that belonged to Roccuzzos. This was preceeded by two people, who were on their motorcyles, having shot at this business.
“Leo, you are the heart of a country that loves you. Newell’s is with you,” the banner which the club had put ahead of their home encounter against the Barracas Central in the Argentine league read.
A separte social media post was also posted hours before the start of the match played at the Barracas Central in the Argentine league.
In the current Ligue 1 season, Messi has the chance to become the highest assist provider in a single edition and it won't be a surprise if the seven time Ballon d'Or winner manages to add yet another record to his name.