Lionel Messi speaks about being embarassed while speaking in English

Lionel Messi acknowledges that he understands everything spoken in English, yet he claims that he is not embarrassed to speak. As a young boy, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner left his native Argentina for FC Barcelona, thus he never needed to learn another language. It was anticipated that he would play his entire professional life at Camp Nou, but in 2021 he left for Paris Saint-Germain due to financial difficulties in Catalunya.

Now playing for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer, Messi is surrounded by a sizable Spanish-speaking populace in Florida. This is making it less likely that the 36-year-old, who just dazzled in a commercial for the newest Bad Boys movie starring Will Smith, will have to make awkward remarks in public.

Messi tells Abitare that his command of English is superior to what many people believe it to be, and he says he could do so if forced. Messi said that, “I understand everything, or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment I don't speak - but I think I can actually.”

The South American sensation's club colleague Julian Gressel has already disclosed that Messi speaks enough English to make jokes on the pitch. She said that, “Messi doesn't really ever speak to me much and if he did, then it was a little bit in Spanish always. I understand most of it in Spanish. He came over to me and said something in English. That was the first time he'd spoken to me in English, during the game. He was covering his mouth, like he always does. Then after - this is the funny part about it - he goes, 'English pretty good, no?'”

Lionel Messi looks to defend Copa America crown

Messi is presently accompanied by his people while representing Argentina in the Copa America of 2024. Before going back to Chase Stadium and combining Inter Miami in their pursuit of an MLS Cup championship, he will be looking for success in defending that continental crown.