Still going strong for club and country at the age of 36, Messi called time on his glittering European career last summer to try his hand at MLS football, where he has unsurprisingly hit the ground running.
Messi has directly contributed to 23 goals in 19 matches for Inter Miami so far — 16 of his own and seven assists — helping the Herons capture the Leagues Cup during his first few months at the club.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has already notched five goals in as many games during the 2024 season, although he missed Argentina's March friendlies with El Salvador and Costa Rica due to a muscular injury.
It is unclear whether Messi's issue will heal in time for him to be involved in Saturday's MLS clash with New York City, but his advancing years and injury problems have naturally seen the retirement question arise.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner intends to lead Argentina during this year's Copa America, though, while he has also left the door open to helping his country defend their World Cup crown in 2026.
During an interview with The Big Time Podcast, Messi affirmed that he will hang up his boots once his performance levels drop below his own standards, but he intends to continue on the pitch for a little while longer yet.
«I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy [playing] or [can] help my teammates, I will quit,» the Argentine said. «I'm very self-critical of myself, I know when I'm good, when I'm bad, when I'm playing well and when I'm playing badly.
»When I feel it's time to take that step, I'll take it without
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