The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has admitted that one of his biggest personal regrets is not learning English during his childhood.
During an appearance on the podcast Miro de Atrás, the Inter Miami CF forward reflected on the importance of language and acknowledged a personal shortcoming that has followed him into adulthood.
“I regret many things, and one of the most important is not having learned English when I was a child. I had the time to do it, but I didn’t, and it’s something I deeply regret.”
Now living and playing in the United States, Messi explained that operating in an English-speaking environment has made him more aware of how valuable the language can be beyond football. While his career has taken him across Spain, France, and now North America, he admitted that the language barrier has occasionally limited his ability to fully express himself in certain settings.
⚽ Lionel Messi dice que se siente “medio ignorante” por no haber aprendido inglés 🗣️. Asegura que ha perdido oportunidades.
Entérate 👉 https://t.co/jGTC4F1KJb pic.twitter.com/S73lcmuwRK— Rubén Valencia (@rubenvalencia22) February 25, 2026
He even described how the situation has sometimes affected him personally. “When you meet important personalities, you think: ‘How foolish was I to waste that time?’”
The Argentine captain said these experiences have reshaped how he approaches education within his own family. He now actively encourages his children to embrace learning opportunities.
“I try to teach my children to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, so they don’t face what I faced in the past.”
Even with those few lingering regrets, Messi looks back on his career with nothing but gratitude. From his legendary rise at Barcelona and his stint in Paris, to his current final chapters in MLS, he truly believes that football has defined who he is and shaped his life for the better.
“Football has taught me a lot, and I am grateful for every experience I have lived throughout my career,” he said.
While trophies and records define much of Messi’s legacy, his reflections offer a reminder that even the most decorated athletes continue learning lessons off the pitch.
Read also: Messi Risks Suspension After Furious Clash With Officials in LAFC Defeat
