Lionel Messi speaks out on retirement plan as Barcelona legend opens up on ‘rebuilding life’ after ‘difficult change’

LIONEL MESSI doesn’t know when he will retire nor what he will do next.

The 36-year-old says he will make the decision to end his career when he feels that he is no longer performing, having fun or helping his team-mates.

AFP

Lionel Messi has opened up on his future[/caption]

Reuters

Messi has revealed he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet[/caption]

In an interview with Big Time Podcast, Messi made it clear that age will not be a decisive factor when deciding to stop playing.

The Inter Miami star hasn’t “thought about it yet” and said: “I try to enjoy everyday life, the moments, without thinking about the future.

“I don’t have anything defined yet, I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes I will surely find the way.”

Messi’s career was given a major jolt in 2021 when he made his shock move to PSG.

Barcelona was unable to offer him a new contract due to their financial problems.

PSG wasn’t the change Messi was looking for and he now says the hasty change was “difficult”.

The Argentine said: “It was a difficult change when I went to PSG, because I was doing very well at Barcelona and I thought about staying. I wasn’t ready to leave, it all happened very quickly.”

He added: “I had to rebuild my life from one day to the next at PSG.

“I discovered another league, another club, a new locker room. It was difficult at first.”

Messi scored 32 goals in 75 appearances during his two years at PSG.

While with the Parisians he lifted two French league titles – as well as the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

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The football legend says he couldn’t ask for more when it comes to the sporting field.

Messi said: “I try to take advantage of everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.

“I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes I will surely find the way.”

Messi is currently at Inter Miami and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season – but that deal includes an extension option for 2026.

Since Messi’s arrival in July, Miami embarked on a club-record 12-game unbeaten streak, with Messi scoring 11 goals and claiming five assists.

Inter Miami won their first piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup against Nashville SC, in a dramatic penalty shootout shortly after his arrival.