When Lionel Messi Will Retire: Inter Miami Superstar Says He Will Know the Day When It Comes

• Lionel Messi has opened up on when he will want to hang up his boots
• The Inter Miami star is gearing up for the Copa America with Argentina
• Messi has played 1052 games in his professional career, with 826 goals

Lionel Messi has discussed the prospect of retiring from football and has admitted that he knows when that day will come.

While the veteran didn't imply that the time to hang up his boots was imminent, he asserted he would know when the time was right.

Already, a number of young stars are rising up to begin filling the void left by Messi and his eternal 'GOAT' rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

After captaining Argentina to the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022, Messi also claimed a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award in 2023 to cement his place among the sport's legends.

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Having reaped success at clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the 37-year-old is currently turning out for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, guiding the Herons to their first-ever cup win.

Despite his superstar status, Messi has acknowledged that the day will eventually come when he finally calls time on professional football.

"I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy or help my team-mates, I will quit," he said in an interview on the Big Time Podcast.

"I'm very self-critical. I know when I'm good, when I'm bad, when I'm playing well, and when I'm playing badly."

Messi stated that when he felt it was time to step down, he would do so without considering his age.

"If I feel good, I'll always try to keep competing because it's what I like and what I know how to do."

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Messi also explained he was uncertain of what he would do once he called it quits on professional football.

"I haven't yet thought of what I'm going to do when I retire. Today, I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about life after [football]."

Messi discusses future plans after 'completing' football

As Sports Brief also reported, Messi also discussed his future ambitions after winning the FIFA World Cup and finally claiming every piece of silverware.

The Argentine veteran is the most decorated footballer in history, having won 44 trophies from the UEFA Champions League to the coveted Mundial.

While featuring on the Big Time Podcast, Messi was asked about his goals in football after guiding La Albiceleste to the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022.

Messi names his favourite TV show

Sports Brief previously reported on Messi naming Game of Thrones his favourite TV show of all time and admitting he had watched the series many times.

He met one of the leading actors, Kit Harington, before the UEFA Champions League group stage clash between PSG and Benfica in 2022 in Paris, France.