“Until it’s not possible anymore,” Lionel Messi contemplates retirement and what could possibly steer him to hanging up his boots

Lionel Messi is focused on playing for La Albiceleste until his body is unable to keep up!

“Until it’s not possible anymore,” Lionel Messi contemplates retirement and what could possibly steer him to hanging up his boots

Lionel Messi hasn't had the best of tournaments at the 2024 Copa America (Via X/@brfootball & AlicelesteTalk)

At 37 years of age, Argentina’s very own Lionel Messi doesn’t have a lot much left in the tank. Despite his effortless ability to skip past defenders and play some of the most breathtaking passes, age has surely caught up to the superstar. With just two goal contributions at the 2024 Copa America, fans are worried if their favorite player has started to contemplate retirement.

Lionel Messi finds himself within reach of yet another Copa America trophy, as his side take on Colombia in the final at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. In a recent interview, Messi opened up about potential retirement and what may steer him toward such a crucial decision. Earlier, Messi had admitted that he isn’t considering retirement and will continue to play until his body allows him to.

I don't like to think too far ahead. I enjoy every bit and take it day by day. It will last as long as it has to and till it's not possible anymore.
Lionel Messi said in an interview

The World Cup winner also urged future generations to not lose their mentality to keep on competing and winning trophies. With two more years to go for the 2026 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the Copa America final will be Messi’s last major tournament!

Lionel Messi posts heartfelt message for the national team ahead of Copa America final

With less than 24 hours to go for the Copa America final, Lionel Messi has taken to Instagram. The 5’7″ Argentine posted a picture of the entire Argentine squad huddled together for ‘one last’ training picture. The forward is seen posing with his teammates and staff, surrounded by Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Scaloni and Leandro Paredes. Argentina have made it to 3 major finals starting from 2021, and the player has posted identical images on all three occasions.

Argentina players and staff ahead of the Copa America final
Lionel Messi thanked his teammates and staff for helping Argentina to yet another major international final (Via X/@Argentina)

His emotional caption appeared to be a message of thanks to all the players, staff and technical professionals who seldom take center-stage for the national team. He gave everyone a big warm hug in the caption before urging everyone to give it their all in the final. Messi himself has been rather underwhelming for his standards at the tournament, picking up a goal and assist in four games.

An adductor injury against Chile may have held him back in subsequent rounds as fans prayed that he completely recovered in time for the final. In a subsequent interview, Messi admitted that no matter how good or bad they play, La Albiceleste are equipped to take on any team in the world! Argentina will have to hold their group against an in-form James Rodriguez and co. if they are to lift the trophy for the 16th time as a nation.

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