“I Wish I Had Learned English”- Lionel Messi Reflects On Regret

• Lionel Messi expressed regret over not learning English during his upbringing.
• He views this as a missed opportunity despite his successful football career.
• Messi shared his feelings on the podcast Miro de Atrás.

Footballer, Lionel Messi has opened up about one of his personal regrets, revealing that he wishes he had learned English while growing up. Despite enjoying an extraordinary football career, the star admitted he sees it as a missed opportunity.

The Inter Miami CF forward made the revelation during an appearance on the podcast Miro de Atrás, explaining that there have been moments when his inability to speak English left him feeling restricted, particularly in conversations with prominent international figures.

Messi noted that he had the chance to study the language as a child but did not fully commit to it at the time. He acknowledged that in certain situations, struggling to communicate freely has made him feel limited and somewhat regretful for not prioritizing English earlier in his life.

“To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to at least study it and I didn’t. I deeply regret it. I experienced situations where I was with incredible personalities, able to talk and have a chat, and you feel half ignorant.

“I always thought, ‘What an idiot, how I wasted my time.’ When you’re young, you don’t realise it. Today, that’s what I tell my children, the importance of having a good education, studying and being prepared.”

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner explained that this experience has influenced how he raises his own children. He now places a strong emphasis on education, preparation, and seizing opportunities, recognizing that his children are growing up in circumstances very different from his own childhood, even though he never lacked basic necessities.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami CF in 2023 after a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain F.C., also noted that while formal education is crucial, football itself has been one of his most important teachers throughout his life and career.

He said …

“I was able to do everything and reach the top in football, but along the way there are many experiences and lessons learned

“It’s true that football is a way of life. It teaches you a lot, gives you strong values, creates lifelong bonds, and allows you to discover new places.”