French football stars have been accustomed to attacking Lionel Messi since the 2022 World Cup. The latest criticism of the Flea came from French legend Emmanuel Petit, who argued that the Argentine star is too old to play again in Europe.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of this year and is attracting significant interest from Saudi League clubs. It has also been suggested that the 37-year-old’s return to Europe, whether through Barcelona or elsewhere, is a strong possibility.
Petit said in this regard, “Messi’s return to Barcelona is illogical. Lamine Yamal will not sit on the bench, so Messi will play as a striker, but we know very well that he doesn’t run.”
He added, “We will not see Messi return to Barcelona again. His return would mean the loss of a player from midfield. Will the team be able to control the field with only two players? That’s illogical.”
He continued, “Returning to Europe in general also makes no sense. Messi has received special treatment in America, just as Cristiano Ronaldo does in Saudi Arabia, and no club here can pay similar salaries.”
He added, “Messi receiving a salary like the one he’s receiving will mean shortages in other positions. This isn’t how the top European teams operate. There are no longer players who don’t move around much, so Messi’s time in Europe is already over.”
He concluded, “I wish him all the best in the 2026 World Cup, and I think he’ll retire after that.”
Recent reports indicate that Messi is close to renewing his contract with Inter Miami for another year, with the option to extend for an additional year, to attend the anticipated opening of the American club’s new stadium.
