Lionel Messi isn't thinking about retiring any time soon.
The Argentine superstar now plies his trade in MLS for Inter Miami and at 36 years old is still a key performer for both club and country. Miami won their first trophy last season after Messi joined the David Beckham-owned side halfway through the campaign, but the team failed to make the playoffs after a disastrous start to the regular season.
Expectations are higher for Messi and Co. this season, with Miami active in the Concacaf Champions Cup and defending their Leagues Cup crown in addition to their MLS slate. Things are going well for both club and player so far, with Miami second in the MLS standings and Messi tied with longtime teammate Luis Suarez as the team's leading goal scorer.
On the international front, Messi is set to lead Argentina in to an expanded Copa America this summer that includes six Concacaf sides, and he's already scored three times in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite turning 37 in June, Messi is still going strong on all fronts. While many of his co-horts have already hung up the boots or are preparing to do so, the World Cup winner said he hasn't considered walking away from the game.
Speaking to MBC's Big Time Podcast, Messi said retirement is more about a feeling to him than it is about being a specific age.
"I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or not able to help my team-mates, then I will stop,” he said.
"I am very self-critical. I know when I am good, when I am bad, when I play well, when I play badly... And when I feel it is time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I will always try to continue competing, because it is what I like and what I know how to do."
Messi is still under contract with Miami through the end of 2025 and he's previously stated a desire to play for childhood club Newell's Old Boys before calling it quits, so it may be a while until he plays his last game.
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