Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, recently shared insights on his retirement plans during a conversation on the Big Time Podcast. As he navigates the later stages of his career, Messi provided some clarity on what the future holds for him.
Having joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has made a significant impact with 16 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions. Despite his impressive performance on the field, the 36-year-old has had to deal with injury setbacks, raising concerns about his continued presence in the sport.
In discussing his retirement strategy, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his keen sense of self-awareness. Messi acknowledged that he assesses his own performance with a critical eye, indicating that he is conscious of his capabilities.
When contemplating retirement, Messi indicated that he is prepared to exit the game when he believes he can no longer deliver his best performance or derive satisfaction from playing, irrespective of his age.
Reflecting on this, Messi stated, “I am very self-critical, I can identify when I am at the top of my game or when I am not performing well. When the time comes for me to step back, I will do so without factoring in my age.”
“I recognize that moment when I no longer feel equipped to excel, when the joy of playing is no longer there, and when I am no longer benefiting my teammates,” Messi added.