Lionel Messi Stand Row: Ex-Newell’s Boss Blasts Tribute

Lionel Messi stand divides opinion

Lionel Messi stand naming rights have ignited a fierce debate in Rosario after Newell’s Old Boys announced that the brand-new south-end structure at Marcelo Bielsa Stadium will bear the Inter Miami star’s name. Former head coach Ricardo Lunari, who led the club in 2015, voiced his disapproval on local radio, asking, “What did Lionel Messi do for our first team that merits a whole stand?”

Club’s rationale for the Lionel Messi stand

Newell’s executives argue that the gesture honours the academy graduate who became Argentina’s most celebrated footballer. Although Messi left for Barcelona at 13, vice-president Pablo Allegri insisted the tribute “links the club’s past, present and global future,” boosting international visibility and potential sponsorship deals.

Past heroes feel overlooked

Lunari countered that iconic figures such as Diego Maradona — who played a brief but electric stint in 1993 — or coach Marcelo Bielsa, the stadium’s namesake, had a direct impact on senior silverware and deserved priority. Several supporters echoed this view on social media, questioning why home-grown legends like Maxi Rodríguez or Gabriel Heinze were bypassed.

Messi’s long-distance love affair

Messi has never hidden his affection for the Leprosos, celebrating goals with their badge and flirting with a late-career cameo. However, contractual hurdles and MLS commitments make an emotional return unlikely before 2025, leaving some fans sceptical about cementing his legacy prematurely.

Financial boost vs. sporting heritage

Club accountants expect the Lionel Messi stand to attract tourism and merchandising revenue, but purists warn that tradition cannot be monetised. The debate underscores the tension between modern branding and local identity that many historic clubs face.

Opinion: Honouring Messi is commercially savvy, yet timing matters. Newell’s may have scored a PR victory, but recognition feels richer when earned on the pitch, not just in memories.