Lionel Messi scored a superb hat-trick for Argentina on his return to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.

Messi returned to Rosario for the testimonial of ex-international teammate Maxi Rodriguez, along with the likes of Angel Di Maria and a host of former Argentina national team stars.

Messi was initially serenaded with a chant of 'Happy Birthday' from the crowd, and then did what he does best, scoring a hat-trick, including an absolutely sublime free kick.

Messi lived in Rosario and played in the Newell's academy ranks as a child before moving to Barcelona, and his first goal at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa came after just four minutes.

He went on to score a brilliant chip, and later got on the end of a long ball before finishing coolly, all before half-time.

Messi had been linked with a return to Newell's earlier this year, but he recently confirmed that he will be heading to MLS when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30.

Messi is poised to head to the United States to kick off his Inter Miami career, with his debut set to come in a Leagues Cup clash against Mexican club Cruz Azul on July 21.

"It had been a long time since I had spent a birthday in Rosario, with my family and my friends," Messi was quoted as saying by ESPN Argentina.

"As I said at the time. It was our turn to be world champions, but behind us were millions of impressive players who did many great things with the national team. It was just luck that they did not raise a cup," he added.'

Messi also spoke on retirement. "Although what we did is something special (winning the World Cup) and unique, the dream of every footballer... you're thinking about what's to come, more than what you did," he said. "When it's my turn to leave football, I'm going to remember and enjoy everything I've achieved much more."

In the US, fans are desperate to see Messi play in the MLS. This weekend, one football fan flew to Philadelphia to watch the MLS match between Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami, which Messi's new team lost 4-1.

Messi isn't expected to make his debut until July 21 because the MLS summer transfer window doesn't open until July 5. That's why neither Messi nor Sergio Busquets can be registered yet.

It seems one fan didn't understand these rules. He was spotted at the game with a sign that said "I travelled 1,200 miles to see the football GOAT". That is more than 2000 kilometres.