In a recent episode of the Big Time Podcast, published Wednesday, Lionel Messi, 36, shared insights on his career longevity, expressing that his age isn’t a decisive factor in retirement plans.
The Argentine football icon disclosed he hasn’t contemplated a specific timeframe to conclude his playing journey.
Messi, boasting an illustrious career including a World Cup victory with Argentina, 10 La Liga triumphs, four Champions League titles with Barcelona, and eight Ballon d’Or accolades, emphasized his focus remains on continued excellence rather than numerical milestones dictating his retirement.
His remarks offer a glimpse into the mindset of one of football’s greatest players.
“The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that.
“I don’t have anything clear yet but to keep playing, which is what I’d like to do for a while longer. When the moment arrives, surely I’ll find the path to whatever fills me with joy and I enjoy and it’ll be a new role.”
In the realm of modern football, the boundaries of age and longevity continue to be pushed by iconic figures such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While once considered outliers, the trend of athletes extending their careers well into their late 30s and beyond has become increasingly common.
At 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, remains a formidable force on the pitch, showcasing his prowess by scoring goals for both Portugal and Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, Messi himself, at 35, made waves by joining MLS side Inter Miami last year. Notably, he secured the Leagues Cup victory, marking a significant milestone as the first title in his new club’s history
Currently, Inter Miami sits at second place in the Eastern Conference standings, demonstrating Messi’s continued impact on the field.
Despite his illustrious career, questions linger about Messi’s eventual retirement.
When prompted about the factors influencing his decision, Messi emphasized his commitment to maintaining a high standard of performance, stating,
“The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.”
“Like I said before at the beginning, I’m very self-critical with myself. I know when I’m good or when I’m bad, when I play well or when I play badly, and when I feel that moment to take that step, I will without thinking about my age.
“If I feel good, I will always keep trying to compete because it’s what I like and what I know how to do.”
Messi skipped Argentina’s recent friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica due to a hamstring injury.
His participation in Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS game against New York City on Saturday remains uncertain.
