Leandro Paredes is going back to where it all started for him, Boca Juniors. After spending years playing in Europe, he’s finally returning to the club where he began his career. He was at Roma most recently, but now he’s made a permanent move back home. Roma confirmed it on Wednesday, officially saying goodbye and wishing him well.
Paredes is 31 now, and this transfer feels like a full-circle moment. He first came up through Boca’s system over a decade ago, then left for Europe and built a solid career playing for some big teams like Zenit, Juventus, PSG, and Roma. He’s played in top leagues, Champions League games, and won major trophies, but no matter where he went, Boca was always his first home.
A lot of people also know Paredes because of how close he is to Lionel Messi. The two have played together for Argentina for years, and even teamed up at PSG when Messi moved there from Barcelona. They were midfield partners not just at the club level but also for the national team, playing side by side through World Cup qualifiers, Copa America, and even the World Cup itself. They’ve shared the pitch more than 70 times, which is a lot. You can tell there’s a real understanding between them.
So now, while Messi continues his journey elsewhere, Paredes is taking a different route, back to his roots. After so many years away, this move isn’t just about football. It probably means something deeper to him. He’s bringing all that experience and maturity back to the same club where he was once a rising kid. It’s honestly the kind of story fans love, not just a transfer, but a homecoming.