Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has admitted that failing to learn English earlier in life remains one of his deepest personal regrets, despite a career filled with trophies, records and global acclaim.
Speaking on the Miro de Atras podcast, the 38-year-old captain of Argentina reflected on moments off the pitch when language barriers left him feeling limited in conversations with high-profile figures across the world. Messi said that although he had chances to study English as a young player, he chose instead to devote his full attention to football.
“I deeply regret it. I experienced situations where I was with incredible, amazing personalities and you feel kind of ignorant,” he said, describing how the inability to communicate freely sometimes affected him in professional and social settings.
Now playing for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, Messi has spent much of his career outside his native Argentina. His rise to global prominence began at FC Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple domestic and European titles. He later featured for Paris Saint-Germain, adding further honours to an already decorated résumé.
Read also:
- Messi fires Inter Miami into MLS playoffs with stunning double against New York City FC
- Messi expresses displeasure over one -match ban
- Messi set to sign blockbuster Inter Miami renewal as MLS records tumble
Yet, for a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history, Messi’s latest comments show that success on the field does not erase personal reflections away from it. He acknowledged that language skills are vital for growth, especially in a career that demands global interaction.
Messi added that his experience has shaped how he guides his own children. He now places strong emphasis on education alongside sport, encouraging them to strike a balance between academic learning and athletic ambition.
The revelation has sparked conversation among fans worldwide, many of whom see his honesty as a reminder that even sporting legends continue to learn and evolve.
