Lionel Messi admits he is "worried" about returning to Argentina when he retires as Barcelona star opens up on future
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Lionel Messi has opened up on his retirement plans and admits he "doesn't know what I'm going to do or where to live" when he finally hangs his boots up.
Barcelona superstar Messi turns 31 in June and coming up to the end of his 14th season in first-team football - but has no immediate plans to quit just yet.
Step one of Messi's swan song may come at this summer's World Cup after he suggested he would retire from international football if Argentina don't win the competition.
But that hasn't stopped him thinking about what lays in front of him once his glittering career comes to a close.
(Image: Leo Messi/Youtube)
(Image: Leo Messi/Youtube)
(Image: Leo Messi/Youtube)
"Everyone says it is very difficult and I have no doubt about that," Messi said while appearing on America TV's La Cornisa.
"It is very difficult not to have the routine of training, playing. I do not know what I'm going to do or where to live.
"I would like to do everything that I could not, but I do not know if it's going to be in Barcelona, ​​Rosario. I do not know what I'm going to do."
(Image: AFP)
(Image: AFP)
Messi moved to Catalonia aged 13 and has played his whole career at Barca - winning eight, soon to be nine, La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, five Copa del Rey crowns and a plethora of individual gongs and awards.
Despite his deep love of the Spanish region, he still plays for his homeland Argentina - but is unsure about moving back to the country when his career ends due to its "insecurity".
"I suffer and I feel sorry that today Argentina is as it is. The reality of the country, the insecurity.
(Image: AFP)
"I look at the future, I think about being able to return to Rosario and enjoying my city because I could not do so as a kid, I had to come here, something I do not regret, but I'm worried.
"Robberies are all over the world, but it's crazy that something more could happen to you.
"I know it's impossible [these days], but I remember that I went out all day to the street and nothing would happen."