Lionel Messi stated that the idea of retirement doesn't cross his mind and that at 36, he feels very good competitively.

"I don't think about it. It was hard for me to take the step to leave Europe and come to the United States, but once I was here, I adapted very quickly. I live day by day, I think about the moment, not about what might happen. Age is just a number. I feel very good competitively," he said in an interview with Marcelo Tinelli for the Argentine channel América.

Messi also expressed that the change in lifestyle brought by his arrival at the team owned by former footballer David Beckham in July 2023 makes him value more the time spent with the Argentine national team, where he mentioned that the group enjoys and laughs a lot.

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"I value all those moments a lot because I know that there is less and less time left for it all to end and, in one way or another, I will miss it," confessed the Rosario-born player.

The Argentine national team will debut this Thursday in the Copa América, which is being held in the United States, where the team has the mission to defend the title won in Brazil in 2021.

Added to the triumph of the team led by Lionel Scaloni in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, from the Argentine star's point of view, the Albiceleste presents itself as the favorite, although Messi does not consider the challenge to be easy.

"Today we can say that we are the best because we are the latest world champions, but that doesn't mean we are going to win this Copa América easily. It will be very competitive because all the teams are tougher. It will be more difficult," said Messi.

Finally, the winner of eight Ballon d'Ors confessed that he greatly appreciates the support of the people who were there during the toughest moments for the Argentine team, and that it was always essential for him to feel the affection of his people.

"Feeling loved today is the greatest thing, the best thing one can achieve as an athlete," commented Messi.