Velez Sarsfield midfielder Fernando Gago has jumped into the debate over Lionel Messi's future.

The former Real Madrid ace is aware of the doubts regarding Messi's situation at Barcelona, with the midfielder now inside the final year of his current deal.

Gago insists a return to Argentina and to his hometown club Newell's Old Boys cannot be ruled out.

He told Velez TV: "He's the one who will decide until when he will play for FC Barcelona, if he will retire in Barcelona.

"He is someone who can do what he wants, when he wants, how he wants. But his heart goes out to Newell's."