This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for a record sixth time, sparking concerns about his impending retirement.
On Monday, Messi received the award in Paris and set alarm bells ringing when he said in his speech, 'you enjoy these moments more because my retirement is getting nearer.'
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has hinted that Messi's retirement is nearing, saying the football world must get used to the idea.
Valverde told reporters ahead of Barcelona's La Liga game against Real Mallorca on Saturday, 'It's something natural, it seems normal, Leo is 32-years-old and although I don't think he's thinking about retiring now it's something which is in the air.'
Valverde added that he may only begin to truly appreciate Messi's greatness in a few years' time, comparing the forward's impact on the game to that of the late Argentine Alfredo di Stefano.
Valverde said, 'I'm aware of how lucky I am but sometimes the demands of everyday life means you are not allowed to enjoy everything. I think you appreciate these things more with time.'
