New Delhi, March 28: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, 36, has said his age will not influence his retirement from the sport.
During an interview with Bigtime podcast on Wednesday, he said he will not let his age impact his decision to retire as long as he is still able to play.
“I will quit the moment I feel I’m no longer able to perform well, that I no longer enjoy (playing) or can help my teammates. I’m very self-critical. 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 (retirement), I will take it without thinking about the age. If I feel good, I will always try to keep competing because it’s what I like and I know how to do.” Messi said
Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. He has won 34 trophies with FC Barcelona, three with Paris Saint Germain FC, one with Inter Miami FC, and two major cups with his home country Argentine, including the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In his career, he has won every individual award a footballer can win, including the FIFA Player of the Year, UEFA Player of the Year, the Laureus World Sports Awards, and breaking the record of winning eight Ballon d’Or in football history.
Messi accomplished his legacy in football after winning the 2022 World Cup and it was the time his dreams came true. “Being a world champion was fantastic. I feel so calm with this prize to be able to have a career I had, and enjoy football as much as I have.”