"Today, rest is very important. As we age, things get more difficult," Lionel Messi said when referring to his recent physical struggles.
"As soon as I believe I can't play anymore, can't enjoy the game anymore or can't help my teammates, I will stop," Messi added. "I'm really critical of myself. I know when I'm good and when I'm not good. Therefore, for my retirement, how old I am will not be a problem. If I feel fine, I will continue playing."
The 36-year-old has had a strong start to the new MLS season, with 4 goals in his first 3 appearances. However, persistent injuries have disrupted El Pulga's pace. That happened during Messi's first 8 months at the DRV PNK Stadium. Fans from around the world rushed to buy tickets to watch Miami's matches but in the end were disappointed.
Messi is a very attractive player and Miami is under pressure to ensure he plays as much as possible. However, up to now, the MLS team has prioritized Messi's long-term health over financial benefits.
Inter Miami have sold out their home and away tickets for the 2024 MLS season since November last year. This is even more surprising as ticket prices in certain areas of Miami's stadium have doubled compared to last season.
According to The Athletic, Miami is now worth more than $1 billion, with a surge in value since Messi arrived last summer. The revenue sharing agreement between Messi and Apple has caused a sharp increase in MLS viewership.
The Messi craze has spread across the US as superstars from other sports such as LeBron James and Novak Djokovic have also come to watch El Pulga compete. That is an unprecedented level of coverage.
In addition to aiming for the MLS championship, Miami will have to defend their Leagues Cup title. At the same time, they also have to compete in the US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Of course, Tata Martino's team will try to win the championship as much as possible but not let Messi work too much.
Inter Miami is not the place Messi chose to retire. The 2022 World Cup champion wants to add another award-winning chapter to his story. Most of all, it is to add to the glorious heritage by elevating MLS and Miami.
But in the end, Messi just wanted to enjoy playing football. And seeing Messi happy to do what he wants is still the most beautiful scene in football. Miami is doing everything they can, creating the perfect environment for Messi to be most comfortable.
David Beckham and the Miami board are working to protect Messi, despite the decline in financial benefits as El Pulga does not play regularly. There will never be another Messi and fortunately in the final stages of his career, he has found a reasonable destination.
Until now, Messi does not need to prove anything, instead he needs to enjoy it. "I am in a place where I am happy not only with the results on the pitch but also with my daily life with my wife, my children, my lifestyle and time. The truth is we are enjoying this moment very much," the Argentine said in August last year.
