Former Chelsea and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has predicted that Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will retire from professional football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Petit made the statement in an interview with EscapistMagazine, where he also dismissed reports that Messi could return to Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami.
“Messi could play in the No. 10, but we know that he doesn’t run, and can Barcelona control the midfield? There’s no way we’ll see Messi back at Barcelona,” Petit said.
The Frenchman believes Barcelona has moved on, pointing to young winger Lamine Yamal as Messi’s natural successor. “Lamine Yamal isn’t going to be on the bench,” he added.
Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), left Barcelona in 2021 due to contract issues and spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before heading to the U.S.
Petit wished Messi success in reaching the next World Cup but believes that tournament will mark the end of the legendary forward’s career.
Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, will be 39 years old during the 2026 edition, set to be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
