Lionel Messi has made it known that he does not consider his age to be a deciding factor in his plans for retirement from football. At the same time, the Argentine world champion said that he does not have a clear idea of what he will do when he ends his career.
Messi, who spent most of his career with Barcelona before signing for PSG in 2021 and Inter Miami last year, will celebrate his 37th birthday in less than a quarter of a year. And although time flies, he assures that age will not determine when he hangs up his football boots.
“I will stop at the moment when I feel that I am no longer performing as well, that I am no longer enjoying football as much and helping my teammates,” Messi said on Wednesday’s Big Time podcast.
“I’m very self-critical. I know when I’m doing well and when I’m not. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I’ll do it. Without thinking about age. If I feel good, I’ll try to continue because football is “what I enjoy and what I can do” he added.
When asked if he already has an idea of what he will do after his playing career ends, the record eight-time winner of the Golden Ball did not have a clear answer. “I haven’t thought about it yet. For now, I’m trying to enjoy every day, every moment, without thinking about the future.”
“I hope to play for a while longer. And when the time comes, I will definitely find a way to do what will fulfill me and what I will like.” said Messi, who missed Argentina’s friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica in the US due to a hamstring injury.
