Emmanuel Petit says there's 'no way' Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona

Messi has been linked with a move back to the Catalan club.

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona homecoming has been ruled out by Emmanuel Petit because he “doesn’t run.” A potential retirement date has also been determined.

Currently, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is still bound by his contract with Inter Miami, an MLS team. The all-time great, who has been with them since the summer of 2023, can choose to activate a 12-month extension.

A move to the Saudi Pro League to join longtime adversary Cristiano Ronaldo is also being considered. Messi remains silent about his future despite rumours of lucrative conditions being prepared in the Middle East.

Although there have been rumours of a spectacular comeback to Camp Nou, Messi, who is 38 years old, is not anticipated to join teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in Catalunya. After the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it has also been forecasted that he will hang up his boots instead.

Emmanuel Petit, a former midfielder for Barcelona, told Escapist Magazine:

“Lionel Messi has been linked with a loan back to Barcelona, but Lamine Yamal isn’t going to be on the bench.”

“Messi could play in the number 10, but we know that he doesn’t run and can Barcelona control the midfield with only two players in there? There is no way we will see Messi back at Barcelona. I wish him the best in getting to the 2026 World Cup and I think then he will retire.”

“Could Messi go on loan elsewhere in Europe before the World Cup? I think he has had really special treatment in America and it would be hard.”

“It’s the same situation with Ronaldo and who is able to pay those wages at their ages, you need 10 other players to do the running and top European sides don’t work like that. You don’t see players in modern football that don’t have much movement, that’s why Messi’s time in Europe is over.”

Messi has previously acknowledged that he would be interested in spending time in Saudi Arabia. But it would also be evidently appealing to go back to Newell’s Old Boys, where it all started for him. It is anticipated that a decision regarding his long-term goals will be made soon.

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