‘I will do it’ – Lionel Messi issues retirement statement with 18 months left on Inter Miami contract
Lionel Messi insists age won’t be a factor in his decision to eventually retire from professional football and ‘hasn’t thought about it yet’.
The Argentine football icon left Europe to join MLS side Inter Miami in 2023 on a three-year contract.
He helped them win the Leagues Cup in his debut year, finding the net 10 times in just seven games.
But his time in Miami has not gone without its issues as the hectic schedule, coupled with his international duties with Argentina, has led to injuries and load management.
Messi has played in just three of Miami’s six MLS matches to start the 2024 season and he’s questionable for their next match against NYCFC.
The sporting icon will want to be fully fit for this summer when Argentina bid for a second consecutive Copa America title before the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign gets underway.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw Messi lift the coveted trophy to round off his remarkable career with expectations that would be his last on the big stage.
But Messi has now suggested that he could play on through to the 2026 World Cup and age won’t play any part in his eventual decision to retire.
“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),” Messi told the Big Time podcast.
“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 went on to admit that he’s not given any thought to what he would do after retiring from professional football.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. For now, I try to enjoy each day, each moment, without thinking about the future. I don’t have anything clear yet,” Messi added.
“I hope to keep playing for a while longer, because that’s what I enjoy.
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“When the time comes, I will surely find the path to what fulfils me and what I like, and a new role.”
Messi is joined by former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Miami.
They’ve made a solid start to the new season with Miami sitting second in the Eastern Conference with Suarez scoring four goals.