March 27, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi insists age will not be the deciding factor in when he retires from professional football. The 36-year-old Argentine superstar, who currently plays for Inter Miami after stints at Barcelona and Paris St Germain, says he will retire when he no longer enjoys the game or can contribute to his team.
“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer performing, that I am no longer enjoying it or helping my teammates (I will retire),” Messi told the Big Time podcast, adding: “I am very self-critical. I know when I am doing well, when I am not, when I play well and when I play poorly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will do it without thinking about age.”
The record eight-time Ballon D’Or winner says he has given no thought yet to what he will do after retiring. “For now, I try to enjoy each day, each moment, without thinking about the future. I don’t have anything clear yet,” Messi stated. He hopes to continue playing for a while longer as it is what he enjoys most.
“I hope to keep playing for a while longer because that’s what I enjoy. When the time comes, I will surely find the path to what fulfils me and what I like, and a new role,” the talismanic Argentine noted.
Messi missed his country’s recent friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica due to a hamstring injury but appears keen to continue his illustrious career for as long as possible.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
