Lionel Messi knows when he will retire from football as Inter Miami star drops hint over future

Lionel Messi spoke about when he plans to retire from football.

Messi is arguably the greatest player of all time, having won 42 trophies in his storied career including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues, a World Cup and a Copa America.

Meanwhile, the pint-sized Argentine has claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or trophies, three more than nearest rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

But turning 37 this summer, Messi is playing out the twilight of his career at MLS side Inter Miami.

Speaking on his retirement plans, Messi told Big Time: "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.”

Messi added: "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].

"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 like, and [find] a new role.

Messi spoke about his tearful departure from Barcelona (Getty)

"On a sporting level I was lucky enough to be able to achieve all my dreams and the truth is that I can't ask for more. Thank God he gave me [everything] both professionally and on a human level, as well as my family, and my friends.

"I try to enjoy everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.”

In the same interview, Messi spoke about the moment he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain after Financial Fair Play limits meant the Spanish giants could no longer afford to keep the Argentine.

On his departure, Messi said: "It was difficult to change [clubs] when I went to PSG because I was very well at Barcelona and I thought I was going to stay there.

"I wasn't ready to leave, everything happened very quickly. I had to rebuild my life from one day to the next. I got to know another league, another club, a new locker room. It was a change we weren't looking for and that's why it was difficult at the beginning.”

Topics: Lionel Messi, Football, MLS, Inter Miami, Argentina

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.