Former Chelsea and Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit, has told Argentine superstar Lionel Messi to follow Neymar Jr’s path and return to his homeland.
The Frenchman called on Messi to mull over a homecoming, asserting that legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to return to Portugal any time soon.
Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo have all departed from European football.
Ronaldo and Neymar joined different clubs in Saudi Arabia, precisely, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal respectively.
For Messi, the diminutive Argentine preferred to move to the Major League Soccer, MLS side Inter Miami.
Neymar has now left the Saudi Pro League side after making just seven appearances (one goal, three assists) in two seasons, rejoining boyhood side Santos in January 2025 on a free transfer.
Neymar has since scored three goals and made three assists in seven appearances thus far, rekindling rumors of a potential return to European football.
On the other hand, Messi and Ronaldo have been aging like fine wine.
Petit claimed that Messi’s final move, if there is one, should be a return to Argentina.
He told CasinoAppsThatPayRealMoney.com, “If there is one more move for Lionel Messi it would be wanting to finish his career in Argentina, look at how well Neymar is doing back in Brazil, he is like a Phoenix from the flames.
“Having said that, Messi looks very happy in Miami with his team-mates, living in the sun and being the biggest star in the MLS at 37.
“With Ronaldo, I can’t see him leaving, he is 40 and has a huge contract in Saudi Arabia, it’s not just about money but he is also the star. He’ll be happy to finish his career there,” he added.
