FORMER CHELSEA MIDFIELDER PREDICTS MESSI’S RETIREMENT AFTER 2026 WORLD CUP
GREATRIBUNETVNEWD–Lionel Messi is set to retire from professional football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Emmanuel Petit, a former Chelsea and France midfielder. Petit believes the Argentine legend will bid farewell to the beautiful game after the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHELL NIGERIA
Key Points:
– Messi’s Plans: After the 2026 World Cup, Messi intends to finish his final 12 months with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer before making a sentimental return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, in Rosario.
– No Return to Barcelona: Petit dismissed rumors of Messi returning to Barcelona, stating that Lamine Yamal has already taken over Messi’s role at the Catalan club. “There’s no way we’ll see Messi back at Barcelona,” Petit said.
– Yamal’s Rise: The 16-year-old Spanish forward has made a phenomenal start and is being touted as the next generational sensation for Barcelona. Petit’s comments reflect a growing belief that the 2026 World Cup will mark the final chapter in Messi’s illustrious career
Messi’s Legacy
Messi will retire as the all-time top scorer for Barcelona and Argentina, with over 800 professional goals and countless records to his name. He’ll leave behind a legacy of solo goals, impossible assists, and nights of footballing magic that made fans believe in the unbelievable .
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.
