Close to turning 37, Lionel Messi is one of the most important players in the history of football. With the Argentine star becoming increasingly more experienced, rumors about the number 10’s possible retirement are increasing. However, Messi himself revealed that he does not plan on stopping playing football for now and said that he has been enjoying everything he can on the field.
“I’m not ready to leave football. I like the game, the training, the day to day, the matches. It was a difficult step leaving Europe to come here (United States). The fact that I won the World Cup helped a lot to see things in a different way too, because I like everything much more and I’m aware that there’s less and less time left and I’m having fun at the club and I’m lucky to have teammates and friends by my side”, said Messi, in an interview with ESPN from Argentina.
The Argentine star also ruled out any chance of playing for Argentina at the Paris Olympics, which start at the end of July. According to Messi, playing two tournaments in a row (Copa América and Olympics) at the age of 37 is too much, plus, to be in Paris, he would have to miss Inter Miami for around three months.
“I spoke with Mascherano (coach of the Argentine Olympic team) and the truth is that we both understand the situation. It’s difficult because we are in the Copa América and it would be two, three months in a row without being at the club. More than anything, I’m not old enough to be in them all. I have to choose carefully and it would be too much to play two tournaments in a row. I was very lucky to play in the Olympics (in 2008), to win them together with Mascherano, U20, memories that I will never forget”, concluded Messi.
Argentina is the current champion of the Copa América and will be looking for its 16th title in the competition. The Hermanos are in Group A, with Canada, Chile and Peru. Messi and company debut against the Canadians next Thursday (20), at 9pm (Brasília time), in Atlanta.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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