Lionel Messi reveals reveals he’ll know when it’s time to retire but insists age will not be a factor
- The 36-year-old Argentinian is in his 21st club season since his Barca debut in 2004
- He missed this month’s friendlies between Argentina and El Salvador and Costa Rica in the US
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Lionel Messi will not consider his age as a deciding factor in his retirement plans, the Argentine forward said, adding that he has no clear idea of what he will do when that time comes.
Messi, who spent 17 years at Barcelona before signing for Paris St Germain in 2021 and Inter Miami last year, will turn 37 in less than three months but is confident his age will not determine when it is time to put on his boots to hang.
“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer performing, that I am no longer enjoying it or no longer helping my teammates, I will retire,” Messi said. the Big Time podcast in an interview published Wednesday.
‘I am very self-critical. I know when I’m doing well, when I’m not, when I’m playing well and when I’m playing badly.
‘When I feel it is time to take that step, I will do so without thinking about age. If I feel good, I will try to keep competing because I enjoy it and I know how to do it.”
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When asked if he had already started thinking about what he will do next, the record eight-time Ballon D’Or winner had no clear answer.
‘I haven’t thought about it yet. For now, I’m trying to enjoy every day and every moment, without thinking about the future. “I don’t have anything clear yet,” Messi said.
‘I hope to be able to continue playing for a while, because I enjoy it. When the time comes, I will definitely find my way to what fulfills me and what I enjoy, and a new role.”
Messi missed Argentina’s friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica in the United States this month due to a hamstring injury.
Due to the injury, he also missed Miami’s league matches against DC United (3-1 win) and New York Red Bulls (4-0 loss). Messi last played in The Herons’ 3-1 win against Columbus Crew in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
