Lionel Messi Drops Retirement Plans, Vowing To Step Away ‘Without Thinking About Age’

Is Lionel Messi preparing his fans to come to terms with the reality? The former FC Barcelona star has once again spoken about his retirement, which will surprise his teams and their supporters. Argentina could soon move to a different era as some of its crucial members from the 2022 World Cup winning group Angel Di Maria and Head Coach Lionel Scaloni were associated with ending their NT commitments. However, Messi hinted he could move on under certain circumstances, and he admitted that age wasn’t a thing for him.

Messi is still showcasing his magic whenever he plays. Amid regular doubts, he has now come out and said he will retire when he sees even the slightest decline in his performances. On the Big Time Podcast, he said, “I am very self-critical of myself, I know when I am good, when I am bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” citing that there’s no compromise with the quality. In recent times, the Argentine captain has been recurrently sidelined because of injuries as well.

This time because of a hamstring issue. But injuries are not a criterion for him to step away from soccer but his contribution. Lionel Messi also said, “I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates”. But the icon also said that he would keep going the distance. “If I feel good, I will always try to continue competing because that’s what I like and what I know how to do,” said Messi, who still seems to be either scoring or assisting quite often.

Does Lionel Messi’s club and country need him at the moment?

It is quite astonishing to see the impetus of Lionel Messi, even to this day. His current club Inter Miami will need him until they are well established, as the Herons are looking all out of sorts in the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner’s absence. His injury saw them win just a single game in the latter stages of the league last year. And this year, despite having other star players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, the team still looks vulnerable. The David Beckham-led franchise lost 4-0 to the New York Red Bulls recently in MLS.

On the other hand, Argentina is already preparing to cope without the star, as Lionel Scaloni called them to show more unity, stating that ‘there is no player to replace him.’ Nevertheless, Messi doesn’t seem to be going away immediately. With the teams depending on him in the current year and his contract running with Inter Miami till 2025, fans can expect his presence on the pitch.

However, the star’s physical condition should also be taken into the picture.

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