Emmanuel Petit exclusive: Cristiano Ronaldo winning this year's tournament will not put him on the level of Lionel Messi
Speaking exclusively with Jackpot City Casino, former Arsenal and France star Emmanuel Petit has given his thoughts on this year's interantional tournament, the Premier League, transfer window and more.
Petit, who also played for Chelsea and Barcelona, has discussed Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT and Jesse Marsch’s Canada and named how far they can progress this summer.
Petit, who scored in the 1998 final as France went on to lift the trophy, has also spoken on Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Folarin Balogun, Jonathan David and more.
Q: Who can you see winning the battle between Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi for golden boot glory?
“France vs Argentina final? I hope so for France. If we can have the same final that we had in 2022 in Qatar, I would be happy. It is going to be a fierce battle until the end.
“Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi will be there, but they are not the only ones. We have a couple of names that can come up for the Golden Boot. It will be very interesting to see, but I have no idea who will finish as top scorer.
“But overall, we can’t compare Messi with Mbappé. I am sorry, Kylian Mbappe has done great things so far, but I think Messi is a step ahead. Messi is, in my opinion, probably the best player in football history. He has won everything he ever wanted.
“Kylian Mbappe still has a long way to go to reach that same level.”
Q: From what you've seen, is there any side who can beat France in the tournament?
“France have huge potential upfront. However, the balance of the team is sometimes disorganised when we lose the ball and we are not tactically right. I think we have weaknesses defensively, especially on the flanks.
“I am wondering who is going to play at left-back, for example. In the midfield area, will it be Manu Kone, Tchouameni, or Rabiot? I have no idea. I think we conceded too many chances against Senegal and also against Norway, even though it was the second team for Norway.
“We all know that we have huge potential, but at the moment, we have some worries defensively.”
Q: Would any of the 2026 France side get into your 1998 winning team?
“In 1998, I think we were a strong team as a unit. We didn’t concede many goals and didn’t give anything to the opponent during games. This is probably one of the biggest differences between the two teams. Upfront, I think the potential of this 2026 side is much better than ours, but I think the tactical balance was much better in our team, as was the mentality.
“I won’t say that this team is weak mentally, but although they are strong, I think we were really strong. It was very difficult for the opponent to beat us. These are the two main differences.”
Q: Has Kylian Mbappe been more of a team player this summer?
“Is Kylian Mbappe more of a team player now? Definitely. He had to be. Ousmane Dembele is a Ballon d'Or contender who won the Champions League twice in a row with Paris Saint-Germain.
“He just scored a hat-trick against Norway. Michael Olise as well, he is not at one hundred percent, but he has already given three assists. In terms of movement, you can see that the understanding between the players is much better.
“In terms of defensive tasks, Mbappe has made many runs to recover the ball and help the team. He is not focused on himself. Of course, sometimes he tries to get a shot away, but most of the time he tries to link up with the players upfront, which is very important.”
Q: Do you think Kylian Mbappe has the same sort of competitive attitude of Cristiano Ronaldo
“It is the same with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is ahead of Kylian Mbappe for everything he has done. I have the feeling the Portugal team is all playing to suit Cristiano Ronaldo and give him the best ball to perform and score goals. It is not the same with Kylian Mbappe.
“The players in the national team know that Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, but they also know they have Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doué, and Bradley Barcola.
“They have many players upfront who can make huge differences, so it is not only Kylian Mbappe. It is not the same as Portugal, which is why I think the comparison is not that strong.”
Q: Is Flo Balogan ready for a return to the Premier League?
“Folarin Balogan left Arsenal for Monaco to try and get a chance to play regular football in France, and he did well. Last season, Monaco didn’t have a really good season collectively, but in terms of stats, he scored nineteen goals and they finished seventh.
“Individually, I think he has improved a lot. You can see that during the tournament, the maturity and efficiency upfront have improved. I am pretty sure that when he left Arsenal, he was thinking that one day he would do everything to come back. So, yes, definitely.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if some English clubs or other European clubs were interested in buying him. I am pretty sure of that.”
Q: Is it bizarre to see your former teammate Thierry Henry, such a prominent voice on American television already, line up next to an interesting figure like Alexi Lalas?
“I haven’t had a chance to see their show because I am working a lot. There are so many former players working as TV or radio pundits. I can understand that television wants to take a different approach with their pundits.
“If you have players who all act the same on TV, it is not enough to attract viewers. I think the fact that they don't look or act alike is good for television. I remember Alexi Lalas, him playing his guitar.
“He has the look of a surfer, but he is a big character, which is what they want.”
Q: As a former player who played in La Liga and the Premier League, what advice would you give to Anthony Gordon ahead of his first season at Barcelona?
“When Barcelona signed him for £70m, I was thinking, why? Why that price tag, and why him? Does he have the technical skills and movement to please the Barcelona DNA? I am not sure. The competition to earn a place in the first eleven will be very difficult, especially if Marcus Rashford stays at the club.
“My best advice for him, putting aside his quality, is to be strong and show personality on the pitch. This is very important. When you play for Barcelona, especially upfront, you have to show your character. I am not convinced with Gordon.
“When he plays for Newcastle, I think he can disappear easily into the game. He doesn’t always make a huge difference, and the regularity of his performances is questioned. I want him to act as a proper top footballer on the pitch: take the ball and make a difference.
“Show your character and your personality. If he doesn’t do that, he is going to have a lot of trouble, not only in the dressing room but with the fans.
“Barcelona fans have lived with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and so many great Ballon d'Or winners on the flanks. He has a huge responsibility, so I think there is still room for improvement.
Q: How do you rate Barcelona's chances of signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico and would he be a good fit for Hansi Flick's side?
“Every day there is different news in the papers saying Julian Alvarez is going to sign for Barcelona or Arsenal. Before the start of the tournament, he said he was concentrating on his team and didn't want to say anything about transfer speculations, then suddenly he said he wanted to leave. At the end of the day, it is a question of money.
“I would love him to join Arsenal and come back to the Premier League. He is a great player and very intelligent with great technical abilities and movement. This saga is not over, it will last for a while before we know where he is going.”
Q: What do you think is Barcelona's best midfield for next season and can Marc Bernal force his way into the starting XI?
“Most of them are young and from La Masia, so they represent the DNA of Barcelona. Since Barcelona doesn't have much money to spend on the transfer market, they have to promote young players just as they did in the past. It is difficult to answer what their best midfield is because until the end of the transfer market in August, many things can change.
“They have really good footballers in the middle of the park. My only worry for them is defensively. Marc Bernal will play because they have no choice anyway, with no money, there are no big transfers. I laugh when I hear that Julian Álvarez will join Barcelona for over a hundred million pounds. Where do they get the money?
“They need to sell before buying. Marc Bernal is a very tall and young guy. He has shown great maturity and mental strength to overcome everything. He is now part of the national team. Step by step, he has a bright future. My only worry for him is injuries.
“This is something the Barcelona players from La Masia have to cope with, they often get injured for months at a time. He has to play to develop and evolve. Hansi Flick said many beautiful things about him last season, so he is part of the future for Barcelona.”
Q: What did you make of Landon Donovan and Tim Howard rating Clint Dempsey over Eden Hazard and Sadio Mane?
“They are not objective. I like Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, and Clint Dempsey. I think Dempsey was a good footballer, but you cannot put him on the same line as Eden Hazard or Sadio Mane, with all respect I have for him.”
Q: Given the USMNT won their group, has Mauricio Pochettino proved his doubters wrong so far?
“If you ask Americans outside the stadium and show them pictures of the best players in the world, they will probably recognize Lionel Messi because of who he is and because he is playing for Miami. But if you show them other faces, they won't recognize them.
“For Mauricio Pochettino, it has been a difficult task from the start. He has had troubles off the pitch with many players and was under criticism from the press. The supporters can make a huge difference, as we saw with Canada getting through.
“I think the USA have a decent team, but don't be mistaken. I hope they can reach the same stage they did in 2022 with Gregg Berhalter, but they won't go further.”
Q: The USMNT have Bosnia on July 2nd, would you have them down as big favourites for that contest?
“I think they will be able to beat Bosnia, but Bosnia have good defensive structure and they play for set pieces and corners. Bosnia will have a few chances to score, but they are not one of the best teams at the tournament.
“It won't be an easy game, but I think the USA will qualify.”
Q: If USMNT reach the last-16 or further, how massive a moment would that be for football in the country, and could it see more big-name European players move to MLS?
“Even if they won, I don't think it would change anything. American people like what is American. This is their culture and the way they live. Even if they do something great, it won't change the culture of the country.
“If they beat Bosnia, they might have a chance if they face Belgium, but if it is Senegal, I don't see the USA going any further.”
Q: What have you made of Canada’s good start to the tournament?
“Canada had good support, but they were struggling at times on the pitch. You have to give credit to South Africa because I think they have improved a lot. Canada will need much more than home support to win bigger games.
“They have quality and good players, but do they have real stars? Alphonso Davies is a good player, but he is not among the best in the world in his position. If they can keep this unity and show character, they can go further, but it won't last forever. They are facing the Morocco, so they can forget about a quarter-final.
“A quarter-final could be a bridge too far. Their manager, Jesse Marsch, has been controversial because he is American but has gone to Canada and is singing the Canadian national anthem. It’s a brave thing to do, maybe he plans to stay in Canada after this.”
Q: Did you think his comments claiming Canadians are more passionate than Americans, after saying he had to ‘beg USMNT players to sing the national anthem, were out of order?
“That is his opinion. I always see American athletes showing a great attitude toward their country, so I won't get into this fight with them.”
Q: Do you think the hydration breaks are necessary and is this something you envision still being in place when the 2030 showpiece rolls around?
“It is not a secret, we are not blind or stupid. We all know why they are putting in these hydration breaks, for commercial advertising. I understand when it is very hot and there is no air conditioning, but I wonder how we dealt with the heat in the past. It was easy for us with substitutions or injuries on the pitch to go to the bench and drink water.
“I don't see the reason for them except for commercials. Honestly, for the last few games, the fans were booing the breaks. When you see great football or entertainment, the break sometimes changes the momentum of the game. It is ridiculous.
“Don't tell me it is a chance for the manager to change something tactically. If you are in a great momentum and suddenly the referee whistles for a drink, you look at your team-mates thinking, ‘Let's play!’ The fans realize this too and get frustrated. The organizers have changed many rules to protect the game, but these things are killing the game.”
Q: Do you like the organizers' reported decision to change the penalty shootout rules at this tournament, from two coin tosses to just the one?
“I am happy to see fourty-eight teams included, but I disagree with the best eight third-placed teams qualifying for the next round. In any group, only the two best teams should qualify for the round of thirty-two. Forget the round of 32 and avoid it. It is a long way to go after a long season, we finish on the 20th of July.
“In the future, players won't have any more holidays to rest. UEFA has changed the Champions League schedule, and there are a huge number of games to reach the final. It is the same with this tournament and the Club tournament. They say they do everything to protect the players, but they don't. The players won't say anything because they receive such big money. It is like a deal with the devil.
“I don't like it because the amount of games doesn't reflect the level of the players since they are tired physically and mentally. We will see more shocks because some teams we didn't even know existed are doing good things. They prepare themselves differently and don't have the same amount of games to play. They prepare the same way physically and mentally, and that is why you see big teams struggling.
“The coin toss rule might be changing too, why? We are trying to make everything complicated now. Leave it as simple as it was before. Penalty kicks were not a question on the table, and suddenly it is becoming one. Why?”
Q: Did Arsenal make a mistake letting Folarin Balogun go and do you think he is worth the $57m reported price tag?
“It is a lot of money for Folarin Balogun, but prices in football are becoming ridiculous. I am still expecting a player to be sold for two hundred million pounds soon. If the money is there, why not? Fifty million is a bargain for a player who is able to score twenty goals per season. Premier League clubs have so much money, this is the normality in England.
“A return to Arsenal? Why not? I like players when they come back with a feeling of revenge. When he left England, he was frustrated about the impact. It was too soon for him, especially playing for a big club like Arsenal. But now he has gained maturity.
“It is time for him to move from Monaco, either back to the Premier League or somewhere else. He has shown great qualities.”
Q: Could you see Christian Pulisic at Barcelona or Real Madrid?
“I like the American mentality because they think everything is possible, they think very highly of their players but we are not living in Disneyland. Christian Pulisic has been struggling with Chelsea and AC Milan.
“He is a good player, probably the best for the USA along with Flo Balogun, but there are many players better than him in his position. I can’t ever see him at Barcelona or Real Madrid.”
Q: Can Robert Lewandowski tear up the MLS with Chicago Fire?
“If Robert Lewandowski has good team-mates who can give him great passes, his numbers could be anything. This guy is a scoring machine, everywhere he goes, he scores goals.
“He is still fit physically and mentally. Choosing the MLS instead of Saudi Arabia or Qatar is important because the level is different in the MLS. This will be his last contract and I think he will enjoy himself.”
Q: Does Jonathan David deserve a big-money move to the Premier League, and what big-six club would suit him? Chelsea?
“I don’t think Jonathan David would be a success in the Premier League, he left Lille after four or five seasons where he scored many goals and gave many assists.
“His first season at Juventus was not easy for him. Coming to the Premier League, the toughest competition in the world, is too soon. I think he should stay at Juventus and try to have his best season yet. At the moment, I’d recommend he stays away.”
Q: Cristiano Ronaldo has played every minute for Portugal, do you think that can go on?
“Cristiano Ronaldo will play every minute until the very end. When you look at the bench, except for Goncalo Ramos, who can play upfront? We all know Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in football history, but he is forty-one. You can see his age on the pitch.
“He doesn’t make many runs, and his movement is not that great upfront. He is always waiting for the ball from his teammates to score goals.
“Does that impact his team-mates? Sometimes, yes. When they approach the last third of the pitch, they feel they have to give the ball to Cristiano. Sometimes he can be a little selfish on the pitch, but he has been like this since he started his career.
“Staying ninety minutes at forty-one years old while struggling against a tough defense with no space is difficult to understand.
“I hope he proves me wrong because he is a great player. He responded well against Uzbekistan, but look at the spaces between the lines there. It won't be the same when the opponents are more tactically sound.”
Q: Is this version of Cristiano Ronaldo at 50% of his peak?
“Cristiano Ronaldo can’t be compared to his younger self, he is a completely different player now. His whole career has been magnificent, based on physical and mental strength.
“This guy is a machine, but he is forty-one, but you cannot fight against nature, and I think he knows that. He doesn't have the same pace he used to destroy defenses with. You cannot compare Ronaldo right now to who he was as a player.”
Q: Who is the GOAT in your opinion - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
“Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal winning the tournament will not put him on the level of Lionel Messi. For me, the greatest of all-time is Messi. He is thirty-nine and just celebrated his birthday.
“Technically, this guy can play even when he walks around the pitch. When he gets the ball, suddenly the doors open. I won’t compare those two because Messi has technical skills that are very rare. He can last for many more years if he stays fit, that’s how good he is.”
Q: Will Erling Haaland ever be as good as Harry Kane technically?
“Erling Haaland is a great striker, but you cannot compare him to Harry Kane, especially on a technical level. I am very curious about the season coming with Manchester City since Pep Guardiola left the club.
“I am wondering how they are going to play under Enzo Maresca. Haaland relies on his teammates most of the time. When he gets older, like Cristiano Ronaldo, he will need even more support from his team-mates. Kane doesn’t play like that.”
Q: Can you see Ronaldo getting into acting/Hollywood after he retires? Could Lionel Messi do the same?
“A Hollywood actor? Cristiano Ronaldo can do anything he wants. It is completely different for Lionel Messi. I don’t see Messi going into show business, he doesn’t like to talk or answer questions.
“He is far away from the spotlight, whereas Ronaldo loves being on the spot. I think Ronaldo could be an actor, definitely. But Messi, I can’t see it.”
Q: The US are interested in hosting the 2038 tournament - should the organizers' avoid going back there?
“The biggest problem for soccer's governing body now is who are going to be hosts after Saudi Arabia? Who has the money to organize that and use public money? They're trying everything they can to convince India and China to be part of the football industry, but it is not their culture.
“Cricket is the most famous sport in India, and it never worked there. In China, players don't often go abroad. This is the main question, what happens after 2034.”
Q: What do you make of Ayyoub Bouaddi’s displays so far after he ditched France for Morocco?
“Ayyoub Bouaddi has the potential and the mentality to play in the Premier League. He is a box-to-box player who can recover the ball and has great movement and tactical understanding. We are surprised in France that many countries are only just discovering Boaddi because he has been one of the best players in France for the last two seasons already.
“At Arsenal, with all the players linked, I wonder who is going to come. It is important for Arsenal to buy players in different positions, but they have to sell players as well.
“They have to be good at selling, which is not traditional for Arsenal. If I am one of the current players, I would question my future there because they need to sell.”
Q: Do you see Arsenal hijacking Tottenham’s move for Sandro Tonali, just like they did for Eberechi Eze?
“Sandro Tonali is a good player, just like Bruno Guimarães. If you add Bouaddi as well, there are some great options out there for Arsenal. But as I said, they need to clear some positions first, which means they have to sell some players.
“We will see at the end of the transfer market who comes after they sell players. If they buy more midfield players, they already have Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Odegaard. They probably need one or two more, but you have to keep everyone happy and manage the rotation of the team.
“When you need to add quality, you need to keep possession of the ball. We didn't see that against Paris Saint-Germain. They have been the best team in the world for the last two seasons and have the greatest midfield players in terms of possession. But players like Guimaraes can hold the ball, as can Tonali.”
Q: Is Martin Odegaard’s future under threat, and do you think Declan Rice should be made captain?
“The last two seasons have been difficult for Martin Odegaard. His first three seasons with Arsenal were brilliant, scoring many goals and giving many assists as the main playmaker.
“But since last season, he hasn’t been at his usual level in terms of stats and his impact. He was not the first choice anymore for Mikel Arteta. He has been injured for months, just like Bukayo Saka. Is it a coincidence that Saka was also struggling last season?
“The link between the two players disappeared. He needs to recover to his best level. I still like him, but if things don't change, his days at Arsenal will be numbered.”
Q: Should Arsenal look to sign Julian Alvarez?
“I think Arsenal have the money for Julian Alvarez. After what they have done last season, they will receive a lot of money from UEFA and the Premier League.
“But if you want to compete at the highest level, the target is to reach the level of Paris Saint-Germain. They will be fighting for the Premier League crown, but on the European stage, they need to go a step further.
“They need to increase the squad in terms of quality. We need to come back to the way Arsenal used to play. In terms of football, the last six months have been very disappointing, especially the final. We didn't play, we were playing as a defensive unit but didn't show anything at all. We need players who can hold the ball and make a difference.”
Q: Can Granit Xhaka transform Chelsea?
“I am not surprised that Chelsea are linked with Granit Xhaka because they have been missing experienced players with leadership for years. What he did for Leverkusen, Arsenal, and what he does with the Swiss team is act as a leader.
“I really like the way he plays now, he is very mobile and his movement is great. He does what he knows best, recovering the ball and giving great passes in the last third.
“He has developed much more maturity and confidence. Experience is something missing at Chelsea.”
Q: Can Man Utd win the Premier League next season?
“Sooner or later, Manchester United will come back. They have done well in the last six months with Michael Carrick. I think they are going to keep the spine of the team and they have money to splash on players. Manchester United is still a huge brand and the attraction of the club is still there.
“I am pretty sure the players are happy that Carrick is still the manager and will want to keep doing what they have done for the last six months. Manchester United will be there for the fight for the Premier League title.”
Q: Will Enzo Maresca be the next David Moyes if he struggles replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City just like the Scot did succeeding Sir Alex at Man Utd?
“I won’t say it is impossible for Enzo Maresca, but he will need good luck. We saw what happened when Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, when Arsene Wenger left Arsenal, and when Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool. Arne Slot won the Premier League, but look at what happened after that.
“The legacy of those managers is huge. Maresca was close to Pep Guardiola for years, but are they going to play the same kind of football? They don’t have the same players anymore, Bernardo Silva has gone.
“I am wondering about them defensively as well. How is Maresca going to come into the dressing room after Pep Guardiola? The print Guardiola left is huge.
“Are they going to do exactly what Pep Guardiola did? There is only one Pep Guardiola. I wish him all the best because it is going to be very difficult for him.”
Q: Has Yan Diomande done the right thing choosing PSG over Liverpool?
“Yan Diomande has great quality. Paris Saint-Germain have been great in the transfer market for the last two seasons. They sold Goncalo Ramos at a huge price, and Diomande has been a target for a long time.
“I am not surprised he wants to join PSG to win titles and fight for the Champions League every season under Luis Enrique.
“I think he will have chances to play often. We saw how Luis Enrique had to manage many injured players and rotate the whole squad during the season. So I’m not surprised he has picked PSG over Liverpool.”
Q: Do you think Bradley Barcola is an upgrade on Liverpool’s current wingers and is he the heir to Mohamed Salah’s throne?
“Bradley Barcola is on the bench because of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but what he is doing in this tournament with France is really interesting.
“He has shown quality and can make a huge difference. If you add Yan Diomande, Desire Dou, and Dembele, it is a strong attack. Barcola played often last season but was not the first choice in big games. To Liverpool? If I am Barcola, I am not moving yet.”
Q: Have Liverpool made a big mistake letting Ibrahima Konate leave on a free, and how successful do you see him being at Real Madrid?
“It was a difficult season for Ibrahima Konate off the pitch and the whole defense at Liverpool was struggling. Konate lost his position in the national team, against Norway, he was on the bench. Dayot Upamecano is the first choice with William Saliba.
“Joining Real Madrid with the pressure and defensive troubles they have means you have to perform straight away. He is joining probably the biggest club in the world.
“It will be tough, but he has the quality. I believe in him and trust him. He was a regular first-team player for Liverpool for years, and it is a huge step for him going to Madrid, but I believe in his quality.”
Q: Would Maxence Lacroix improve the Chelsea defence?
“Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea? Forget it. There is a curse for French defenders at Chelsea. Since Marcel Desailly and William Gallas, they have all failed. How many central defenders do Chelsea have? Eight?
“We still play football with eleven players and two central defenders. So if I’m him, I’m not going to Chelsea. Too many players. What is the plan?
“The one reason he might join is If it is a decision from the manager, Xabi Alonso, then why not. If the manager puts trust in you and you are the first target, you should be in the team from the start rather than fighting for it.”
Q: Can Hugo Ekitike return to his best level when he returns from injury?
“Will Hugo Ekitike get back to his best? It is always difficult when you are off the pitch for so many months. Ekitike was enjoying his time at Liverpool, scoring goals, and then suddenly everything stopped.
“After a six-month break and recovery months, we will probably see the best of Ekitike at the end of this year, around Christmas.”
Q: France vs Sweden prediction?
“France will win. I think we will win with a two-goal margin. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak could cause some problems if they work together and show fighting spirit. We struggle sometimes defensively, so those two can make trouble, but I still believe France will win.”
Q: Would Jude Bellingham get in the France team?
“Would Jude Bellingham start for France? We play with two in midfield now and four attacking players. He could play right behind the striker, but at the moment we have Michael Olise.
“I really like Jude Bellingham, he did really well against Panama, especially in the second-half. He always has a huge impact and acts as a leader. But if you ask if he can get into the France national team right now, I don't think so.”