Lionel Messi on key to his longevity: ‘It’s the desire to outperform myself – always wanting more’

Lionel Messi believes one of the keys to his longevity at the highest level of football is a desire to outperform himself.

Messi — who is poised to officially become an Inter Miami player following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain — has been playing professionally for almost 20 years, winning a host of team and individual titles with Barcelona and Argentina.

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“I think it’s been what has allowed me to accomplish everything that I have, collectively and individually,” Messi said on his long career, in an interview during Argentina’s tour of Asia last month that was released on Tuesday.

“It’s mentality, fight, sacrifice, always wanting more. I was like that from a very young age. I was responsible and was sure of what I wanted.

“I always gave my best to accomplish the most. It didn’t always happen but I stayed focused on that mentality and the desire to always outperform myself. I was lucky with injuries.”

Perhaps the most coveted of Messi’s honours came just a few months ago, when he captained Argentina to a World Cup victory in Qatar last December.

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The 2022 edition was Messi’s fifth World Cup, with the 36-year-old tasting defeat in the 2014 final against Germany. Following the final last year, Messi confirmed that would be his last World Cup appearance.

“I really enjoyed this last World Cup because I knew that it could be my last one,” Messi said. “And to be honest, I wouldn’t still be on the national team had we not won the final. I’m sure about that.

“I enjoyed the tournament and I was very confident in the team. If we wouldn’t have won the World Cup, there would’ve been a lot of criticisms.

“Maybe not as bad as before but…I don’t