Lionel Messi has acknowledged that he is nearing retirement but wants to continue playing for years to come after scooping up his sixth Ballon d’Or award.
The Barcelona legend capped off a brilliant year by winning the accolade in Paris on Monday evening.
Messi pipped Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize after a stellar campaign for the La Liga outfit.
But the 32-year-old was then asked about how long he would be able to continue playing at the very top of the game due to his advancing years.
“I’m aware of how old I am,” Messi responded.
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“And I enjoy these moments so much because I know that retirement is approaching. Time flies.”
But Messi was quick to counter those comments by revealing he feels he can continue shocking the footballing world for years to come yet.
“I hope, God willing, that I keep playing for many more years,” he added.
“I’m now 32, though, and will be 33 at the end of the season, so, as I said, everything depends on how I feel physically.
(Image: PA)
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“Right now I feel better than ever on a physical and a personal level, and I hope I can go on for a lot longer.”
Reports in recent months suggested Messi could leave his beloved Barcelona for free due to a clause in his contract at the Nou Camp.
And over the years it has been rumoured the footballing legend wants to end his career in his native Argentina.
But again Messi was quick to shoot down claims he was ready to leave the La Liga champions.
“Barca know me and know there’s no type of problem with these issues,” he said when asked about potentially departing Barcelona.
“[My commitment] goes beyond a contract.
“What I feel for this club is [worth] more than any signature on a piece of paper, so there’s no issue.”
