Lionel Messi’s career is one of the most inspiring stories one will ever come across. From his undisputed status as one of the best footballers of all time to his repeated failures at international level and his will to persevere until finally conquering the final summit, he has been through it all.
Currently away from the hustle and bustle of Europe, the Barcelona legend is enjoying life with teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.
Needless to say, he no longer has anything to prove on a sporting level and lives the last years of his magical career in relative solitude.
Speaking on the Big Time podcast (h/t AS) earlier this week, the Argentine superstar spoke about his early days at Barcelona, how he transitioned to life in Spain and the role Barcelona played in his adaptation.
“I had a very good childhood, although it was a difficult change. It was all new to me, I was a boy and it was like starting from scratch: new school, new friends.
“But the truth is that Barcelona always treated me spectacularly, doing what I love was something impressive,” he added, which is a reminder of why Messi said he felt not ready to leave Barça when finally forced to do it.
Commenting on the high standards he set for himself and how he strived to be better every step of the way, Messi said:
“From a very young age, I have always been self-critical of myself, in fact I still am. Everyone is free to give their opinion, when the criticism is about football, it doesn’t bother me.
“I am the first self-critic; I don’t need anyone to tell me when I’m doing things right or wrong, I’m the first to hit myself when things don’t work out. he added.
Lionel Messi quit football just over a year ago, adding the elusive FIFA World Cup title to his haul after a spectacular campaign in Qatar.
“It’s an inexplicable joy to win the World Cup. After suffering the blow of the first match, it was a wonderful month where we had a great time.
“The best moment was when we knew we were champions. The feeling that it was all over, that we had already achieved this, that it was time to win the World Cup. If things hadn’t happened, I would have probably left the national team. he added.
Finally, Messi was asked for his thoughts on retirement and how far he sees the day when he finally hangs up his boots for good.
“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer having fun or helping my teammates, I will stop. I’m very self-critical, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play bad. he said.
“When I feel it is time to take this step, I will take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I will always try to continue competing because that’s what I love and what I know how to do.
Regarding what he would do after his retirement, Messi insisted he has nothing planned at the moment, saying:
“I haven’t yet thought about what I’m going to do when I retire, for the moment I’m trying to enjoy everyday life, moments, without thinking about the future. I don’t have anything clear yet, I hope to continue playing a little longer, that’s what I like.
“When the time comes, I will surely find my way to what fulfills me and what I love and to a new role.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career so far, Messi admitted: “On a sporting level, I have been lucky enough to be able to realize all my dreams and the truth is that I cannot ask for more.
“Thank God, he gave me so much on a professional and human level, as well as with my family, my friends. I’m trying to take advantage of everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.