Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has all but shut the door on a potential return to the bench at Newell’s Old Boys, stating that his history with the Rosario club is nearly finished. Rosario3 reported the remarks following a press conference after an Inter Miami fixture in the Major League Soccer.

Tata Martino Discusses Lionel Messi and Newell’s Old Boys Ties

The discussion turned inevitably toward the future of Lionel Messi and whether the Argentina captain might return to finish his career where he began as a youth player. Martino acknowledged the immense emotional weight of such a move for the supporters at the Coloso del Parque, while noting the distinction between fan aspiration and player choice.

“Una cosa es el deseo para todos los que somos hinchas del club y los que estamos comprometidos, y otra cosa es la decisión que tome él,” Martino said, according to Rosario3. “Si no lo hace, está todo bien. Si lo hace, estaremos encantados.”

Martino holds deep historical ties to Newell’s Old Boys, having represented the club as a player before returning to manage the team to the 2013 Torneo Final title and a run to the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Despite that successful tenure, the manager dismissed the prospect of taking charge of the club for a third time.

“Mi historia con Newell’s ya la tengo, te diría, que casi cerrada,” Martino said.

MLS Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures

The post-match press conference with Head Coach Tata Martino is available at https://t.co/bxHR3nnBOP, as shared by Atlanta United FC on October 18, 2026.

Inter Miami continues its participation in the Major League Soccer campaign, while managing player matters related to its captain.