Lionel Messi has opened up on when he plans to retire from football as he navigates the twilight of his iconic career.
Since his arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has showcased his prowess by scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions.
Nevertheless, at 36 years old, Messi has had to contend with injury setbacks, sparking concerns about his durability in the sport.
Considering his retirement intentions while on the Big Time podcast, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging his tendency to critically evaluate his performances.
Messi conveyed his preparedness to exit the game when he senses he can no longer deliver his peak performance or derive joy from playing, regardless of his age.
“I am very self-critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” Messi said.
“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates