There is not much time left to enjoy the greatness of Lionel Messi. Soon to be 37, the soccer world is reminded of the stark reality of the Argentinian superstar’s retirement. While currently enjoying the MLS landscape with Inter Miami, quitting the national team has often been in the air. As Messi is unlikely to answer this call at the moment, his young teammate Julian Alvarez holds onto a ‘hope‘ that the legendary captain will continue to grace the pitch for a while longer.

Having curtained the domestic season, the Manchester City star is one of the latest players to join La Albiceleste camp. Interestingly, the media inquired of the 24-year-old whether he believes Messi will keep playing with the Argentina national team. As compiled by Mundo Albiceleste, Alvarez said, “Let’s hope so. He will decide until when but hopefully he will. We want him to be there.”

Even the former River Plate star isn’t sure of the timeline regarding Messi’s retirement. Notably, there had been rumors earlier that he may not even participate in the upcoming Copa America and was considering retirement after clinching the 2022 World Cup. But Lionel Scaloni poured cold water on these claims by naming him in the impending CONMEBOL-based tournament. 

Remarkably, Inter Miami star’s compatriot, Angel Di Maria, announced earlier that the Copa America would be his final international journey with La Albiceleste—a path which Messi has also been touted to tread. But that answer will depend on the result of the month-long tournament. Either way, fans are hoping to see the iconic skipper continue for many more years.

However, that won’t be possible forever, as the day will eventually come when Messi hangs up his boots. In fact, his ‘self-critical’ nature may suggest that day could come very soon.

Lionel Messi would hang up his boots without ‘thinking about age’

On the Big Time Podcast, Lionel Messi earlier talked about his retirement: “I am very self-critical of myself. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” mentioning that there’s no compromise with quality. The Barcelona legend insisted that if he notices even the slightest decline in his performance, he will make the difficult decision to step away.

Messi acknowledged that he would consider hanging up his boots once he no longer feels ready to perform, enjoy himself, or help his teammates. However, he also expressed his intention to continue competing as long as he feels good, as soccer remains his first love. Well, it’s the positive outlook that fans would be more focused on, enjoying his play rather than dwelling on his retirement.