Emmanuel Petit Urges Lionel Messi to Follow Neymar’s Path and Return Home

Former Chelsea and Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit, has advised Argentine football legend, Lionel Messi, to consider following in Neymar Jr.'s footsteps by returning to his homeland. Petit believes a move back home could be the perfect swan song for Messi’s illustrious career, much like Neymar’s recent return to Brazil.

Neymar, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after departing Paris Saint-Germain, recently completed an emotional return to his boyhood club, Santos, in January 2025 on a free transfer. In just seven appearances for Santos, Neymar has already notched up three goals and three assists, reigniting the passion of fans and sparking rumors of a possible return to European football. His revival at Santos is being compared to a “Phoenix rising from the flames,” proving that a return home can indeed be rejuvenating.

Messi’s Miami Adventure

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who took a different path by moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, seems to be enjoying life under the Florida sun. Despite his age, Messi remains the biggest star in the MLS, and his performances continue to capture the hearts of American fans. His dazzling skills and leadership have turned Inter Miami into a more formidable team.

Petit's Take on Messi’s Future

Speaking with CasinoAppsThatPayRealMoney.com, Petit remarked:

“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 teammates, living in the sun and being the biggest star in the MLS at 37."

Petit, however, believes that Cristiano Ronaldo will not make a similar move to return home. At 40 years old, Ronaldo appears comfortable with his lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he remains the focal point of attention and admiration.

Opinion: Should Messi Follow Neymar’s Example?

While Petit’s call for Messi to return to Argentina sounds sentimental and honorable, it's worth considering whether Messi should truly end his career in his homeland. Unlike Neymar, who returned to Santos to reclaim his glory in familiar surroundings, Messi has found a new lease of life in Miami. His presence in the MLS is nothing short of revolutionary, making soccer more popular in the United States.

On the other hand, many fans would love to see the Argentine maestro grace the pitches of his homeland and end his career where it all began. It could be the perfect poetic conclusion to an already illustrious journey.

But is it worth leaving the American paradise he seems to be enjoying? Or should he follow the heartwarming path Neymar has taken and give back to the roots that made him a global phenomenon?

Dear readers, what do you think? Should Messi return to Argentina to finish his career, or is he better off continuing to dazzle the MLS?