Controversy at Messi’s Childhood Club: Newell’s Suspends Kids for Photo with Rival Player

Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Lionel Messi began his football journey, is at the center of a heated controversy after suspending a group of nine-year-old academy players. Their offense? Posing for a photo with Ignacio Malcorra, a standout player from fierce local rivals Rosario Central.

The incident took place during a youth tournament in Funes. After spotting Malcorra, the kids, thrilled to see a professional footballer, snapped a photo with him, accompanied by their parents. The image soon circulated on social media, stirring backlash among Newell’s fans who saw it as an act of disloyalty.

#Rosario | Medida controvertida ?: #Newells suspendió a seis niños de 9 años tras sacarse una foto con Malcorra para "sentar un precedente"?https://t.co/8XaEpSWtyn

— doble amarilla ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@okdobleamarilla) June 3, 2025

In response, the club handed the young players a three-month suspension from training. Club president Ignacio Astore defended the decision, saying it was made jointly with the children’s parents to protect them from potential bullying or criticism. “It’s about shielding the kids,” Astore explained.

Carlos Panciroli, who runs the Malvinas Argentinas football school where the boys play, also weighed in. He emphasized that the children themselves weren’t to blame, but said the club needed to take internal measures to preserve its identity. “We can’t allow this kind of situation while wearing Newell’s colors,” he stated.

The decision has sparked national debate, especially given Newell’s historic legacy as Lionel Messi’s boyhood team. Critics argue the punishment is disproportionate, while others say it reinforces important values about representing the badge with pride.

Either way, the scandal offers a glimpse into the passionate world of Argentine football rivalries — and the pressures that even the youngest players can face.