(Football news) Messi, who is still going strong at the age of 36 for both club and country, decided to give up his successful European career last summer in order to give Major League Soccer a shot, and he has surprisingly taken to the league right away.

During his first few months with Inter Miami, Messi has personally contributed to 23 goals in 19 games—16 of which he has scored on his own and seven of which he has assisted on—helping the Herons win the Leagues Cup.

Despite missing Argentina’s March friendlies against Costa Rica and El Salvador due to a muscular injury, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has already scored five goals in as many appearances this season. 

It is unclear whether Messi’s issue will heal in time for him to be involved in Saturday’s MLS clash with New York City, but his advancing years and injury problems have naturally seen the retirement question arise. 

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner intends to lead Argentina during this year’s Copa America, though, while he has also left the door open to helping his country defend their World Cup crown in 2026.

Messi affirmed that he will hang up his boots once his performance levels drop below his own standards, but he intends to continue on the pitch for a little while longer yet.

“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,” the Argentine said. “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.

“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.

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

Messi has had an incredible career for both club and country, becoming the all-time top goalscorer for Barcelona and Argentina while also taking home an incredible 42 major team awards at the senior level.

With 10 points from six games, Messi’s Inter Miami team is only one point behind FC Cincinnati in first position in the MLS Eastern Conference despite having played one more game.

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