Emmanuel Petit, a former Chelsea midfielder has suggested that Argentina captain, Lionel Messi will retire from professional football in 2026 after the FIFA World Cup.
Petit also rubbished reports linking the Inter Miami forward with a return to Barcelona this year.
According to the Frenchman, winger Lamine Yamal has taken over Messi’s place at Barcelona.
“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.