Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi Retirement Plan Rumours Fuelled by Dad

Jorge Messi has fuelled suggestions Lionel Messi might not finish his career at Barcelona, confirming the Argentinian star's love of Newell's Old Boys.

Speaking to Cadena COPE's El Partido de las 12 programme (h/t Inside Spanish Football), Jorge was quizzed whether his son would finish his career at Camp Nou, to which he replied, "Messi retiring at Barcelona? He loves Barca but life can take many turns. You never know. He loves Rosario, Newells and the city, it became his home. Life takes many turns.”

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Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of Messi's debut as a Barcelona player, but he is just 27 years of age, and one can bet retirement isn't at the forefront of his thinking just yet.

However, a return to Newell's Old Boys would be a move of some intrigue to the player, who departed his boyhood outfit before ever making a senior appearance.

Due to the young age at which Barca life began for the forward, it's difficult to envision Messi playing in colours other than those of Barca or national team Argentina.

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Compatriot and former Real Madrid man Gabriel Heinze was quoted by Goal.com's Stefan Coerts earlier this month as saying a move back to Rosario was on the cards.

"Messi will retire at Newell's, there's no need to convince him of anything," Heinze said. "I don't see him wearing any other shirt in Argentina than that of Newell's and he will retire at Newell's."

Heinz also grew up around Newell's and so holds some connection with Messi, having retired at Estadio Marcelo Bielsa himself.

"I had played very few games in Argentina and never thought of going back there to finish my career but the last two years I spent with Newell's Old Boys were the best of my life," he said.

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For now, at least, Messi will have his concentration very much centred around the present day and going about his business of smashing scoring barriers and collecting awards only a superstar in his pomp is capable of.

As Paddy Power points out, Messi's career in Catalan country seemed destined for special things right from the start:

In truth, it would be odd for Messi to bring an end to his career without having played one game in his native Argentina, but his persona has become so intrinsically linked with La Blaugrana that an exit now seems absurd.

It will come at some point, however, whether it be in the form of a departure for pastures new or a halt to proceedings altogether. But until that moment, we'll enjoy the South American in all his wonder and savour every single touch he takes.