Full Breakdown
Lionel Messi Reflects on Regret Over Not Learning English
2/25/2026, 7:45:33 PM
Messi's Admission of Regret
Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer and captain of Inter Miami, has publicly expressed his regret over not learning English during his formative years. In a recent interview on the Mexican podcast "Miro de Atras," Messi stated, “I regret many things. To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn’t do it. I deeply regret it.” He elaborated on how this language barrier has left him feeling "half ignorant" in conversations with influential figures throughout his illustrious career.
Impact on Personal Life and Parenting
Messi's reflections extend beyond his personal feelings; they also influence his parenting. He emphasized the importance of education to his children, advising them to seize opportunities he felt he missed. “Today that’s what I tell my children — the importance of having a good education, to study and be prepared,” he remarked. Messi, who moved from Rosario to Barcelona at the age of 13, acknowledged that his final year of schooling in Argentina was not ideal, as he was focused on his impending move to Europe.
Career Achievements Amid Regrets
Despite his regrets regarding education, Messi has had a remarkable football career, winning numerous accolades including eight Ballon d'Or awards and leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has helped the team secure titles such as the Leagues Cup and the MLS Cup. Messi's success on the pitch contrasts with his feelings of inadequacy regarding his language skills, as he noted, “I experienced situations where I was with incredible and spectacular personalities to be able to talk and have a chat and you feel half ignorant.”
Broader Life Lessons from Football
Messi also reflected on the life lessons he has learned through football, stating, “It’s true that football is a way of life. It teaches you a lot, it gives you a lot of values. It creates lifelong bonds.” He highlighted that while he has achieved great heights in his career, the experiences gained along the way have been invaluable.
Criticism & Opposition
While Messi's reflections have been largely well-received, some critics argue that his focus on language skills overlooks the broader context of his achievements. They suggest that his success in football should not be diminished by his regrets about education.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I regret many things. To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn’t do it. I deeply regret it,” — Lionel Messi
- “I experienced situations where I was with incredible and spectacular personalities to be able to talk and have a chat and you feel half ignorant.” — Lionel Messi
- “Today that’s what I tell my children — the importance of having a good education, to study and be prepared.” — Lionel Messi
Messi's candid admission serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the opportunities that come with it, even for those who achieve extraordinary success in their fields.
