Fans of Newell's Old Boys staged a colourful parade in Argentina in honour of Lionel Messi as they begged the superstar to return to the club.
Messi started his career in the youth system at Newell's before moving to Barcelona aged 13 where he joined the famed La Masia academy.
Now two decades on the 33-year-old has signalled his desire to leave Barcelona in search of a new challenge elsewhere.
A host of top clubs across Europe are being linked with his signature but that has not discouraged Newell's supporters, who ramped up their efforts with the display in Messi's home city of Rosario on Thursday.
Supporters congregated on the streets of the city waving flags, setting off flares and bearing Messi merchandise in a celebration of the forward.
Many also held up signs which read: 'Your dream, our desire,' in a clear message to Messi to head back to his homeland.
Messi has suggested previously he would like to end his career with a stint at Newell's but that time may still be a few years off.
Man City are said to have already made contact over a potential transfer which would see Messi reunite with former boss Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League club are one of just a few clubs who would be able to afford the star's extortionate wages, with PSG and Inter Milan providing the sternest competition.
Man Utd are also believed to be outsiders to land the six-time Ballon d'Or winner but Barcelona remain hopeful of keeping hold of their captain this summer.
The La Liga giants are arguing the clause which Messi is demanding be activated expired in June, thus meaning he can only leave if a club meets his £630million release clause.
Whether Barca would accept a lower offer given Messi is out of contract next summer remains to be seen, but certainly Newell's would need to land the player on a free and accept a pay cut in his wages too.
Speaking about a potential return to Newell's back in October, Messi told TyC Sports : "I always say that I don't want to leave here [Barcelona], I have no thoughts of moving.
Should Messi consider moving back to Newell's Old Boys this summer? Have your say below.
"I have the dream of being able to play for Newell's in Argentina, but I don't know if it's really going to happen because I have a family that is ahead of my desire.
"It's a dream I've had since I was little, but I have a family, I have three children, I live in a place that has given me everything and where I am calm and can give my children a spectacular future.
"We think much more about that than my desire of playing football in Argentina.
"I will try to convince the family, because today we have to convince the children too."
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