Andy Murray says witnessing achievements such as Lionel Messi’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup is motivating him to continue his career.
Messi, who is a month younger than the three-time Grand Slam champion, was an instrumental figure in Argentina winning their first World Cup trophy since 1986. He is considered by some as the greatest footballer of all time with 793 goals for club and country, 42 team titles and a record seven Ballon d’Ors to his name so far in his career.
Messi’s achievements have been hailed by Murray who recently asked on Twitter if the Argentine should be regarded as the greatest athlete of all time. Although he later clarified those remarks by saying he is not a fan of Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debates and said the Argentine ‘is amazing at what he does.’
Speaking earlier this week ahead of the Battle Of The Brits event in Aberdeen, the former world No.1 says seeing other athletes in their mid-thirties excel in sport inspires him.
“I was really happy for him that he was able to finally win the World Cup when he was seen as not having done it international level,” said Murray. “Which was strange considering that Argentina won the Copa America not long ago and have been in multiple finals and stuff.
“The age that he’s at as well – he’s 35 and born in the same year as me. Seeing any athletes in their mid-to-late 30s going out there and competing and performing and doing what they love is brilliant.
“I’ve had the opportunity to witness that a bit in tennis as well recently, whether that’s Serena or Federer and Nadal. I find that it gives me motivation to keep going and keep trying to perform as best I can.”
Murray nearly retired from tennis in 2019 due to a serious hip injury before undergoing career-saving resurfacing surgery. On the steady rise once again, he ended the season ranked 49th in the world. More than 80 places higher than he was 12 months ago. He has reached the final of two events in 2022 at the Sydney International and Stuttgart Open.
However, the Brit admits that it is likely that he will retire from the sport should he suffer another significant injury blow such as he did with his hip a couple of years ago.
“If my body is in good shape and I’m still able to compete consistently, I’ll keep playing,” he stated. “But I can’t look so far in advance with the age I’m at and with the issues I’ve had. If I was to have a big injury, I probably wouldn’t try to come back from that.”
There is still plenty of optimism from Murray who declares himself in better shape now after recently spending three weeks training in Florida during the off-season.
“I’m certainly in better shape than I was. A lot of work was done in the gym, trying to build up my endurance and my stamina a bit and I’m hoping that’s going to help me next year.” He explained.
Murray will be hoping to reach top form in time for the Australian Open which will begin on January 16th.
