Lionel Messi has said age won’t be a factor in his eventual decision to retire, instead saying he’ll only hang up his boots when he is no longer enjoying the sport.
The Inter Miami star will turn 37 in July, but has continued to be a high-impact player for club and for Argentina even in the latter stages of his career.
Messi has started the 2024 season in strong form again for Miami, tallying five goals and two assists across five matches in all competitions. He is, however, currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The World Cup winner spoke about his playing future in an appearance on the Big Time podcast, which was broadcast on Saudi Arabian TV this week.
“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or I’m not able to help my teammates, then I will stop,” Messi said.
“I am really self-critical; I know when I am good and when I am bad. So for my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing.”
Messi added that he hasn’t thought about retirement yet, saying: “I hope to continue playing for a while longer, that is my plan. After that, I will try to do something I like in a new role.”
Messi learns to love the other football
The Argentina international also said that living in the U.S. has opened his eyes to that other football that’s so popular in his new home country.
Asked about his favorite non-soccer sports, Messi said: “Tennis, padel, basketball, and also American football. I am learning a lot about American football and have come to understand it more and I’m enjoying it!”
It sounds like the Miami Dolphins need to roll out the red carpet to get Messi out to a game this fall.
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