Former Chelsea and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes football legend Lionel Messi will hang up his boots for good after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking with EscapistMagazine (via GOAL), Petit dismissed recent rumors suggesting Messi could return to Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami. According to the ex-World Cup winner, the emergence of young talent like Lamine Yamal means there’s simply no room for Messi at the Catalan club anymore.

“Messi has been linked with a loan move back to Barcelona, but Lamine Yamal isn’t going to be sitting on the bench,” Petit said. “Messi could still play as a No. 10, but we know he doesn’t run much anymore — and can Barcelona really control the midfield with that setup?”

Petit added bluntly, “There’s no way we’ll see Messi back at Barcelona. I wish him the best getting to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and I think that’s when he’ll retire.”

Messi, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain a few years ago after the club couldn’t renew his contract, now plays for MLS side Inter Miami. Despite talks about a fairytale return to Spain, it seems increasingly likely the Argentine icon will instead see out his illustrious career in the United States — aiming for one final dance on the world stage in 2026 before calling time on an extraordinary journey.