Inter Miami star and MLS player, Lionel Messi of Argentina, has shared insights into his retirement plans, offering reassurance to fans worldwide. Despite being 36 years old, Messi has confirmed that he has no immediate intentions of retiring from the sport.
Speaking about his retirement, Messi stated, “I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy playing, or can help my teammates, I will quit.”
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Lionel Messi’s Candid Insights into Retirement and Future Endeavors
Lionel Messi shared his thoughts on his retirement plans, emphasizing his keen self-awareness and commitment to stepping away from the game when he no longer feels capable of performing at his best or contributing to his team. He pledged to make this decision based on his assessment of his own abilities rather than considering his age, expressing a dedication to continuing to compete as long as he feels physically and mentally prepared.
“I’m very self-critical of myself, 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, I’ll take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I’ll always try to keep competing because it’s what I like and I know how to do,” he vowed.
Regarding his post-retirement plans, Messi admitted that he had not yet given them much consideration, preferring to focus on enjoying each day and living in the present moment. He expressed a desire to prolong his playing career for as long as possible, highlighting his passion for the sport. When the time eventually comes for him to retire, he expressed confidence in finding a fulfilling new role beyond playing.
“I haven’t yet thought of what I’m going to do when I retire,” Messi confessed. “Today I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about life after.”
“I’m not sure about anything yet, I hope to keep playing for a while longer, which is what I like to do. When the time comes, I will surely find a way to fulfil myself and do what I like, and [find] a new role.”
Reflecting on his achievements, Messi expressed gratitude for realizing his sporting dreams and for the personal blessings bestowed upon him by God, including his family and friends. He concluded by emphasizing his intention to cherish and appreciate all that he has been given thus far in his life.
“On a sporting level I was lucky enough to be able to achieve all my dreams and the truth is that I can’t ask for more. Thank God he gave me [everything] both professionally and on a human level, as well as my family, my friends.”
“I try to enjoy everything God has given me so far, which is a lot,” Lionel Messi concluded.
Reflections on Departing Barcelona and Embracing New Challenges at PSG
The Argentine forward expressed his discontent about moving from Barcelona to PSG. He mentioned that it had been challenging for him to make the transition because he had been very comfortable at Barcelona and had anticipated staying there.
“It was difficult to change [clubs] when I went to PSG, because I was very well at Barcelona and I thought I was going to stay there.”
He explained that he had not been prepared to depart, and everything had happened swiftly, forcing him to rebuild his life abruptly. Adjusting to a new league, club, and locker room had been unexpected and difficult initially.
“I wasn’t ready to leave, everything happened very quickly. I had to rebuild my life from one day to the next. I got to know another league, another club, a new locker room. It was a change we weren’t looking for and that’s why it was difficult at the beginning,” Messi added.
Reflecting on his earlier experience joining Barcelona, Messi recounted that it had also been tough for him as a young player. He had to adapt to new surroundings, including friends, a country, a city, people, and a school.
“For me it was difficult when I arrived in Barcelona. I was a kid and I had to adapt to new friends, a new country, a new city, new people, a new school,” Messi reminisced.
Despite the initial challenges, he persevered because he was pursuing his passion for football and playing for a renowned team like Barcelona. Messi expressed his gratitude towards Barcelona, acknowledging that they had always treated him well and that he appreciated their support.
“It was hard for me at the beginning, but I thought I was doing what I wanted, playing football, in a great team like Barcelona, and that made me able to keep going.”
“It was impressive and I enjoyed it a lot. They’ve always treated me very well in Barcelona, I’m grateful to them.”
