Messi talks about his retirement

The Argentine star Lionel Messi openly discussed his retirement and his fulfilled dreams during a chat with the Big Time podcast.

“On a sporting level, I’ve been fortunate enough to fulfill all my dreams, and the truth is I couldn't ask for more. Thank God, He has given me so much both professionally and personally, as well as with my family and friends,” Messi declared.

Since his crowning as world champion with Argentina in Qatar 2022, he has achieved everything a professional footballer aspires to.

“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or not able to help my team-mates, then I will stop,” Messi said honestly about when he will step aside.

“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,” he said.

Finally, the Argentine player did not want to specify an exact date for his retirement, but he did give hints about his future.

“I haven’t thought about it yet. For now, I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about the future. I don’t have anything clear yet. I hope to keep playing for a while longer, which is what I enjoy. When the time comes, I’ll surely find the path to what fulfills and interests me, as well as a new role,” he declared.

Messi, 36, has a contract with Inter Miami — for whom he has scored 16 goals in 19 first-team appearances since his move from Paris Saint-Germain a year ago — through to the end of 2025.

(With inputs from agencies)