Former French international and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has predicted that Lionel Messi will retire from professional football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to an extraordinary career that has spanned over two decades.
Petit made the remarks while speaking to EscapistMagazine (via GOAL), where he also addressed ongoing speculation linking Messi with a potential return to Barcelona. The 1998 World Cup winner strongly dismissed such rumours, stating that Messi’s era at the Catalan club is over, and that Barcelona has already moved on, particularly with the rise of young talent like Lamine Yamal.
“Lionel Messi has been linked with a loan back to Barcelona, but Lamine Yamal isn’t going to be on the bench,” Petit said.
“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, now 37, currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS), having joined the club in 2023 after a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His move to PSG came following financial difficulties at Barcelona that prevented the Spanish club from renewing his contract, marking an emotional departure from the club where he spent over 20 years and became its all-time top scorer.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has continued to perform at a high level, attracting record-breaking crowds, boosting the club’s global profile, and transforming the MLS brand internationally. However, as the next World Cup looms on the horizon—set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026—many are speculating whether it will be Messi’s final bow in international football.
Petit believes so.
Having already won the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar 2022, Messi’s career has achieved nearly every major honour in both club and international football. He led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021, a Finalissima win in 2022, and finally secured the elusive World Cup trophy, scoring twice in the final against France and winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Despite calls from fans for a potential return to Barcelona—especially during the past year when his future at PSG was uncertain—Messi opted for a move to the United States, choosing a lifestyle and sporting environment that allowed him to balance competitiveness with personal and family priorities.
His Inter Miami deal, which includes ownership stakes and massive commercial bonuses, signified a new chapter, and most observers agree it marked the beginning of his career’s final stage.
On the other hand, Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation Petit referred to, has rapidly risen through Barcelona’s ranks to become one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. At just 16, Yamal has already made a name for himself with his pace, vision, and technical brilliance, drawing comparisons to a young Messi.
With Barcelona investing heavily in its youth and restructuring its wage bill, a return for Messi looks unlikely under current financial regulations. Petit’s comments reflect what many in the football world now accept: that Messi’s focus is firmly on Inter Miami and his final mission—one last World Cup.
Petit, who had an illustrious club career playing for Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, is no stranger to what it means to transition out of the game gracefully. He acknowledged Messi’s place in football history but emphasized the need to allow the next generation to shine.
“Messi has nothing left to prove,” Petit stated. “He’s done it all—from the Ballon d’Ors to the Champions League to the World Cup. Now is the time for players like Lamine Yamal to write their own stories.”
Messi has previously hinted that the 2026 tournament could be his last, though he has not officially confirmed it. Speaking after Argentina’s victory in Qatar, he said he wanted to “continue playing as a champion,” but acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining peak physical condition for another four years.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s national team continues to evolve with stars like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister stepping up. However, Messi remains the talisman and emotional leader of the squad and is expected to guide them through the next Copa América in 2024 and possibly the World Cup qualifiers leading to 2026.
As fans around the globe prepare for what could be Lionel Messi’s farewell tour, the football community will be watching closely. If Petit’s prediction is right, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of one of the most iconic careers in sports history—a career that redefined modern football and inspired millions around the world.
Until then, Messi’s journey continues in Miami, and the world waits to see whether the little magician has one final piece of magic left.
