Mar 27, 2024, 07:12 AM ET
Lionel Messi has said age will not play a factor in his decision to retire and that he will know when it is right to call time on his playing career as he will not be contributing as necessary to his team's success.
The Argentina captain, 36, has not given an indication as to when he will retire, with his deal at Inter Miami ending in December 2025.
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"I know that the moment that I know that I'm not performing, that I'm not enjoying myself, that I'm not helping my teammates," Messi told MBC's Big Time Podcast.
"I am very self-critical. I know when I am good, when I am bad, when I play well, when I play badly... And when I feel it is time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I will always try to continue competing, because it is what I like and what I know how to do."
An eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, is expected to lead his national team at this summer's Copa América.
"Had things not gone the way they did [in the tournament in Qatar], I would have left the national team," Messi said.
Messi is sidelined with a hamstring injury and missed his national team's two international friendly wins over El Salvador and Costa Rica.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi is the only player to have a guaranteed place in his squad.
"I keep analysing everyone, but no one has a guaranteed place, except for the one who couldn't be here," Scaloni said in reference to Messi after Tuesday's 3-1 win against Costa Rica in Los Angeles.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino recently said Messi has the same desire to win now as he had when he coached him at Barcelona.
Messi became the most decorated football player of all time when he won his 44th trophy after helping Inter Miami lift the 2023 Leagues Cup in August.
"On a sporting level I was lucky to be able to achieve everything in my career, to have achieved my dreams and the truth is that I couldn't ask for more both from a professional and human level, as well as with my family, my friends. I try to enjoy everything that God has given me so far, which is a lot."
Messi said he has not decided what he will do once he stops playing football.
"The truth is I haven't thought about it yet," he said. "Today I try to enjoy the day to day, the moments, without thinking about what comes after.
"I don't have anything clear yet, I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes, I will surely find the way to what fulfills me, what I like and a new role."
FAQs
“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.”
What is a few line about Messi? ›
Lionel Messi is a football player from Argentina who plays for Inter Miami. He has won the Ballon D'Or, the annual award given to the best player in the world, 8 times, 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and an Olympic gold medal winner in 2008. He was born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina's third-biggest city.
Is Ronaldo better than Messi? ›
After Messi scored his historic 91 goals in a year, he then scored only half of those goals per year. If we make a graph of his total goals, the line would look more like a heartbeat! Ronaldo, however, consistently scored more than 50 goals for seven calendar years! To this day, he scored more than 50 goals.
How did Lionel Messi overcome his challenges? ›
He had to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, and prove himself on the football field. Despite the obstacles, Lionel thrived. His skill on the field was unmatched, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the youth teams. At just 17, Lionel made his debut for the Barcelona senior team.
Is Messi retiring in 2025? ›
Messi is still under contract with Miami through the end of 2025 and he's previously stated a desire to play for childhood club Newell's Old Boys before calling it quits, so it may be a while until he plays his last game.
How much longer will Messi play? ›
He is expected to join Argentina this summer for Copa America 2024, which could be his last major international competition. Messi said the Qatar World Cup in December 2022 would be his last. He led Argentina to its third World Cup title, marking the crowning achievement in his legendary soccer career.
What is Messi's famous saying? ›
You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.
Who said Messi is the best? ›
Erling Haaland, the Manchester City forward, stated that Leo Messi "is the greatest of all time" and justified that Messi surpassed him in the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's The Best awards.
What is Messi so famous? ›
Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and his illustrious career proves why. The Argentinean footballer, who holds a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, has displayed his talent early on and has always been destined for greatness.
Who is richer, Messi or Ronaldo? ›
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2023, earning more than the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar during the past 12 months, according to Forbes. Ronaldo, who Forbes also ranks as the highest-paid athlete of any sport, topped the list with expected total earnings of $260 million.
Top Speed: Ronaldo wins with 34 km/h vs. Messi's 32.5 km/h. Acceleration: Messi takes the lead, reaching top speed quicker. Average Speed: They're close, with Messi slightly ahead at 23 km/h vs.
Are Ronaldo and Messi friends? ›
Cristiano Ronaldo on his rivalry with Lionel Messi: We are not friends but we respect each other.
Who was Messi upset with? ›
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has admitted he was pretty upset with Robert Lewandowski after the striker spoke out about missing out on the Ballon d'Or in 2021. Messi took the award instead and spoke kindly about Lewandowski, saying how he had deserved it the previous year when it was cancelled due to the pandemic.
How does Messi stay calm? ›
Mental Preparation: Messi recognizes the importance of mental fortitude in achieving peak performance. He engages in activities such as meditation, visualization, and positive affirmations to enhance focus, concentration, and resilience.
How is Lionel Messi unique? ›
Naturally left-footed, quick, and precise in control of the ball, Messi is known as a keen pass distributor and can readily thread his way through packed defenses.
Is Messi going to retire soon? ›
Lionel Messi has discussed the prospect of retiring from football and has admitted that he knows when that day will come. Although he is not suggesting the moment to hang up his boots will arrive anytime soon, Messi says he will be able to recognise when to stop and won't continue playing longer than necessary.
What is the date of Messi retirement? ›
The striker signed a two-year contract until 31 December 2025 with Inter Miami. He will then be 38 years old and, as he himself acknowledged in the interview, "time passes for everyone".
Is Ronaldo retiring? ›
"I have been misquoted or misunderstood in the interview which I gave in Spain. "I am, in fact, going to score 29 goals this season for Real Madrid and I still have a lot to give to the national side. "I still have long time in football and, whilst I am enjoying playing for Brazil, I will continue to do it.
What is Messi's net worth? ›
Messi is the second highest-paid athlete in the world as of 2023, and has earned an estimated $1.15 billion in his career so far, according to Forbes. Messi owns a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, holds lucrative brand partnerships, and even owns a hotel chain.
