Lionel Messi has candidly opened up about his deep regret over not learning English during his youth, admitting the language barrier often leaves him feeling “half-ignorant.” Speaking on the Miro de Atras podcast, the Inter Miami star confessed that he frequently finds himself unable to engage in meaningful dialogue with global figures.
“I had the time to have at least studied English, and I did not do it. I deeply regret it,” the Argentine superstar remarked. Messi noted that while he has met “incredible and spectacular personalities,” his inability to chat comfortably makes him feel as though he wasted valuable time as a boy.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now using his own experience to influence the next generation, urging his children to prioritize their education. He admitted his final year of school in Argentina was a “disaster” because he knew he was leaving for Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the veteran playmaker reflected on the broader lessons learned throughout his career. While he has reached the pinnacle of the sport, he insists that football remains a “way of life” that continues to teach him values and provide new perspectives.