Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi has given a hint as to when he will be ready to retire from professional football.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona striker who recently had a chat on the Big Time Podcast, expressed his readiness to step away from the game when he feels he can no longer perform at his best or derive enjoyment from playing, regardless of his age.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, has contributed 16 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances across competitions. But he also grapples with injury issues, leading to concerns about his longevity in the sport.
Shedding light on his retirement plans as he navigates the twilight of his career, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging that he evaluates his performances critically.
“I am very self critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age.
“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates,” Messi said.
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CorrectNG reported earlier that Messi said he wants to “enjoy every moment” of the remainder of his career and has no date in mind for when he will finally retire.
The 36-year-old won his first trophy with his new club, Inter Miami with a penalty shoot-out win over Nashville, scoring his 10th goal in seven games since moving to the Florida club in the Leagues Cup final.
Messi signed a two and a half year contract with Miami last month but he said he hadn’t even begun to think about his future beyond that deal.
“I’m not thinking about it (retirement) yet, to be honest. I like to play, I enjoy being with a ball on the field, competing, training.
“I don’t know how much more I’ll play, but I’ll try to take advantage until I can, until I’m well and then I’ll see. For later there is time to think, to analyze and choose,” he said in an interview with Apple TV+.
He added; “Today the most important thing is to enjoy what’s left, whatever it is, it can be little or a lot. Enjoy every moment, especially because this is not coming back and then I don’t want to regret anything”.
Messi said that his experience so far with Inter Miami left him convinced he made the right move when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended.
