Lionel Messi knows when he will retire from football

The Inter Miami player has stated that if he had not won the World Cup with Argentina he would have retired then and there. So how close is that date?

Lionel Messi granted an interview to the Big Time podcast, in which he reflects on his departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021, asserting that he wanted to continue at the club where he grew up.

“The transition to leaving for PSG was difficult because I was very happy in Barcelona and intended to stay there. I wasn’t prepared to leave; everything happened very quickly, and I had to rebuild my life overnight. I got to know another league, another club, a new locker room. It was a change we didn’t seek, and that’s why it was difficult at first.”

The Argentine player also discusses his arrival in Barcelona as a child and how it changed his life.

“For me, it was difficult when I arrived in Barcelona. I was a child and had to adapt to new friends, a new country, a new city, new people, a new school. It was challenging at first, but I thought I was doing what I wanted, playing football, in a great team like Barcelona, and that enabled me to move forward. It was impressive, and I enjoyed it very much. I have always been treated very well in Barcelona, and I am grateful to them.”

When will Messi retire?

Now, after his new stage outside of Europe, at Inter Miami, some are already thinking that the Argentine’s end may be near and he speaks about his possible retirement.

“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer performing, that I am no longer enjoying it or helping my teammates, I will retire. I am very self-critical, I know when I am doing well, when I am not, when I play well and when I play poorly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will do it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I will try to continue competing because it’s what I like and what I know how to do.”

Messi reflects on all he has achieved as a footballer and does not think about what he will do after retiring.

“I haven’t thought yet about what I’ll do when I retire. For now, I try to enjoy each day, each moment, without thinking about the future. I don’t have anything clear yet; I hope to keep playing for a while longer, because that’s what I enjoy. When the time comes, I will surely find the path to what fulfills me and what I like, and a new role. In terms of sports, I’ve been fortunate to achieve all my dreams, and honestly, I couldn’t ask for more. Thank God for giving me so much professionally and personally, with my family, my friends. I try to enjoy everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.”

Finally, the Argentine star reveals what would have happened if they hadn’t won the World Cup in Qatar.

“Being world champions for us, our families, and the entire country was magical; it will stay with us for life. I would have probably retired from the national team if we hadn’t won, but fortunately, it worked out for us, and we brought another title to Argentina,” Messi concluded.