- He also dismissed rumours of Messi making a return to Barcelona this year, stating that youngster Lamine Yamal has already filled the legendary forward’s shoes at the club.
Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has predicted that Argentina captain Lionel Messi will retire from professional football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He also dismissed rumours of Messi making a return to Barcelona this year, stating that youngster Lamine Yamal has already filled the legendary forward’s shoes at the club.
“Lionel Messi has been linked with a loan back to Barcelona, but Lamine Yamal isn’t going to be on the bench,” Petit told EscapistMagazine (via GOAL).
“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. I wish him the best in getting to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and I think then he’ll retire.”
Messi left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain some years ago after he was not given a new contract at the Catalan club.
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