Lionel Messi insists he has no plans to retire | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has insisted he has no plans to retire and will continue his career as along as he feels he can perform.

Messi departed European football to sign for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami last year and has scored 16 times in 19 appearances in all competitions since crossing the Atlantic from Paris Saint-Germain.

The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has began the new MLS season in fine form with three goals across the opening three rounds.

Messi will turn 37 in the summer, but is expected to represent Argentina in the 2024 Copa America, as the South American and world champions look to defend their continental title.

Arguably football’s greatest-ever talent, Messi has opened up on his future and said he intends to continue his career as long as he feels able to contribute to the team.

“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy [playing] or [can] help my teammates, I will quit,” he told the Big Time podcast.

“I’m very self-critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I’m playing well and when I’m playing badly.

“When I feel it’s time to take that step, I’ll take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I’ll always try to keep competing because it’s what I like and I know how to do.

“I haven’t yet thought of what I’m going to do when I retire. Today I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about life after [football].

“I’m not sure about anything yet, I hope to keep playing for a while longer, which is what I like to do. When the time comes, I will surely find a way to fulfil myself and do what I like, and [find] a new role.

“On a sporting level I was lucky enough to be able to achieve all my dreams and the truth is that I can’t ask for more. Thank God he gave me [everything] both professionally and on a human level, as well as my family, and my friends.

“I try to enjoy everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.”

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