Argentina president Alberto Fernandez has called on Lionel Messi to return home and play for Newell's Old Boys.

The 33-year-old has handed in a transfer request to leave Barcelona this summer, but a move to Argentina is seen as unlikely.

Fans of Messi's hometown club, Newell's, have paraded in the streets of Rosario over his potential return.

"You are in our hearts and we have never seen you play in our country," Fernandez said in a message directed at Messi via C5N.

"Give us the pleasure of ending your career with Newell's Old Boys, your club."