World Cup winner Lionel Messi shrugs off retirement talks, says ‘I haven’t thought about it yet’

Lionel Messi has shrugged off retirement talks, saying he remains self-critical of his performances. The World Cup winner with Argentina said the day he feels he cannot contribute to his team’s success, he will step aside.

Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US, will turn 37 later this year. He said age will not be a factor when he considers retirement some day.

«I haven't yet thought of what I'm going to do when I retire,» Messi confessed during an interview with Big Time.

«Today I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about life after [football].”

»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. 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 thinking about age. If I feel good, I'll always try to keep competing because it's what I like and I know how to do,» the Argentine great said.

Feeling grateful for the achievements and accolades he earned during his decorated career, Messi thanked God for putting him in the position that he is in today.

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The former Barcelona great admitted remaining clueless about his future, saying he wishes to enjoy playing football for the longest time that he can, and upon feeling fulfilment he will take a call to step aside.

«I'm not sure about anything yet, I hope to keep playing for a while longer, which is what I like to do. When the time comes, I will surely find a way to fulfil myself and do what I