Like the “10” he has historically used on his number, age is just a number for Lionel Messi. This was confirmed by the 36-year-old Argentine star when talking again about his retirement from professional soccer, a topic that may not be the player's favorite. InterMiami, but from which he does not plan to hide either.
“I know that as soon as I think that I can't play anymore, that I can't enjoy the game or that I can't help my teammates, then I'll stop,” Messi said, speaking for the Big Time podcast. “I'm very self-critical. I know when I'm good and when I'm bad. So for my retirement, it won't matter how old I am. If I feel good, I'll keep playing,” he added.
Since arriving in South Florida in the middle of last year, Messi has scored 16 goals in 19 appearances with Inter Miami's main team. Likewise, the arrival of the attacker was essential in the organization obtaining the first title in its history, just weeks after his debut.
After some failed attempts, Messi was finally able to reach the big trophy he was missing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he led the team of Argentina which was crowned by beating France in the final.
Before the start of the World Cup, there was already speculation that this would be the last opportunity for the “Flea” to obtain a title in the highest sporting competition in football. Since then, Messi has left his continuity with the Albiceleste up in the air until the World Cup to be held in North America in 2026.
This has increased rumors that the retirement of the Rosario phenomenon is getting closer. Her performance with Inter Miami and her role in the team continue to be elementary, so to speak of a drop in her performance that marks the end of her goodbye would be incorrect.
Be that as it may, Messi knows that the farewell, eventually, is imminent, but at this point it is evident that he still does not fully think about it; something that is revealed when he confesses that he has no idea what he will do once his days in the engramado have officially come to an end.
“I hope to continue playing for a while longer, that's my plan,” said the man who is recognized as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. “After that, I'll try to do something I like in a different role.”
