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New Delhi: Football legend Lionel Messi opened up on his retirement the football legend says that age will not be a determining factor in his decision to end his playing career. Messi-led Argentina won the Fifa World Cup 2022 beating France in the finals.
The 36-year-old said he would call time on his career only when he feels he is unable to contribute or loses his enjoyment for the game.
“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 said in an interview with the Big Time podcast published on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.
“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.”
In an interview broadcast on Argentine television last July, Messi said, “Logically, because of my age, [retirement] won’t be far away.”
But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now seems less certain about how far his career could extend.
“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,” the Inter Miami forward said.
“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.”
Messi has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 19 appearances for Inter Miami, whom he joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last July.
With IANS Inputs
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