Lionel Messi hints at retirement back in Argentina

Five-time World Player of the Year hinted he could end his career by returning to his native Argentina; Messi left his homeland at just 13 years old to join Barcelona, where he has grown into one of the greatest players

Barcelona: Five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has hinted he could end his career by returning to his native Argentina.

Also Read: Will end career at Barca: Messi after fifth Ballon d'Or award

Lionel Messi with his five Ballon d’Or trophies in Zurich yesterday

Messi left his homeland at just 13 years old to join Barcelona, where he has grown into one of the greatest players of all time.

Also Read: Lionel Messi poses with Neymar and Ballon d'Or trophy

“It was always my dream (to play in Argentina) when I was a boy, though I had to leave at a very early age because of my situation and it didn’t happen," he said in an interview published on FIFA.com days after lifting a record fifth Ballon d’Or.

“I had to go to Europe, start out with Barcelona and make my career there, but I would like to return to Argentine football one day.”

Also Read: Messi wins record fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or award

Messi hasn't always enjoyed the same popularity in the land of his birth as in Barcelona having so far failed to end Argentina's 23-year wait to win a major international tournament.

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