The countdown for the new season has begun for Inter Miami as the new year approaches. Fans around the world have set their sights on seeing Lionel Messi and Co. in action. Likewise, the action may arrive early, as the Florida-based club is set to partake in pre-season friendlies. Among the most anticipated warm-up fixtures that have been scheduled for the Herons is against Newell’s Old Boys. 

Scheduled for February 15 at the DRV PNK Stadium, this match holds special significance as it marks Lionel Messi’s reunion with his childhood club. As the excitement surrounding the match increases, let’s dive deeper into the archives and explore his formative years with the Rosario-based club. 

How good was Lionel Messi at Newell’s Old Boys? 

Newell’s Old Boys holds a significant place in Lionel Messi’s heart. It was the place where everything began for the magician. But not all are aware of how good he was for his hometown-based club. Notably, Messi started playing for Old Boys in 1994, when he was just six years old. He played till he was 12 before he took a big leap, making a breakthrough in Europe by signing with the FC Barcelona Youth team. All six years he spent with the Argentinian side were more than impressive. 

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According to a report from a former employee of Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi found the back of the net an astounding 234 times in just 176 games. In fact, you will be more surprised to see his stats individually by each season. 

• 1994: 40 goals in 29 matches.
• 1995: 35 goals in 30 matches.
• 1996: 36 goals in 27 matches.
• 1997: 40 goals in 36 matches.
• 1998: 27 goals in 25 matches. 
• 1999: 55 goals in 29 matches. 

Notably, the Argentine was absent from several matches in certain seasons, the reasons for which remain undisclosed. In his final season with Newell’s Old Boys, the team achieved an unbeaten record, securing victory in 26 matches and settling for a draw in three. Be that as it may, it is evident that Lionel Messi was clearly destined for greatness from a young age.

A double reunion against Newell’s Old Boys

The pre-season match between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys will see Lionel Messi square off against his youth club for the first time. Before this, he hadn’t faced the Argentinian side. Interestingly, Messi isn’t alone, as his boss, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, is also lined up for a special reunion. The former River Plate coach also came through the ranks of Newell’s and played for the team in three distinct periods throughout his playing career. 

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Transfer Personally Affected Ex-Real Madrid Star- “I Decided Something Right”

During these stints, he not only held the record for the most appearances by any player in the club’s history, but also played a pivotal role in securing titles in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992. Furthermore, his success extended to coaching, where he clinched another title in 2013 during his tenure as head coach. Either way, this undoubtedly has doubled the specialness of Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys. 

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