NewKerala.com

Messi's English Regret: "Half-Ignorant" Feeling Haunts Football Icon

Lionel Messi has expressed profound regret for not learning English in his youth, stating it leaves him feeling "half-ignorant" when meeting global personalities. The Argentine captain revealed his last school year in Argentina was a "disaster" as he prepared to move to Barcelona. He now emphasizes the importance of education to his own children, urging them to be prepared. Messi also reflected on how football has taught him values and formed lifelong bonds beyond the sport.

Key Points: Lionel Messi Regrets Not Learning English, Feels "Half-Ignorant"

  • Messi's language regret
  • Feeling "half-ignorant"
  • Advice to his children
  • Football's life lessons
  • Barcelona school memories
2 min read

Messi reveals regret of not learning English, says it makes him feel "half-ignorant"

Football legend Lionel Messi reveals his deep regret for not learning English as a boy, saying it makes him feel "half-ignorant" in global interactions.

"I regret many things. Not having learned English as a boy. - Lionel Messi"

Mexico City, February 25

Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi opened up about his regret of not learning English as a student, saying it makes him feel "half-ignorant" while interacting with prominent personalities worldwide.

Speaking on the Mexican podcast "Miro de Atras," Messi, who captains Argentina and currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), reflected on missed opportunities.

Quoting ESPN, the Argentina skipper said, "I regret many things. Not having learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English, and I did not do it. I deeply regret it."

"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. I always thought: 'What an idiot, how I wasted my time," he added.

Messi said that when one is young, they do not realise it, but he tells his children "the importance of good education, to study and be prepared".

"I always tell my children to take advantage of it. They have a different situation from the one I had, although I never lacked anything," he added.

Messi arrived at Barcelona, forming a strong working relationship with FC Barcelona over the years to come, from his native city of Rosario at 13 years of age. He recalled that the last year of his school in Argentina was a "disaster".

"It [my last year of school in Argentina] was a disaster. I knew that I was leaving for Barcelona. At Barcelona, I finished my high school with the other children who went to [FC Barcelona's youth academy] La Masia," he added.

Messi, who became an Inter Miami player in 2023 after spending two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, spoke of things his sport has taught him, such as teaching "values and forming lifelong bonds".

"I was able to do everything and reach the top [in football], but along the way, there are many experiences and lessons learned," said the football icon.

"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. You get to know places," he added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's a good lesson. In India, we focus so much on academics, but sometimes we forget the importance of practical skills like communication in a global language. English opens so many doors, even if you're a genius in your own field.
A
Aman W
Respect for Messi! But I have to say, it's a bit ironic. Here in India, we're often pressured to learn English from a young age, sometimes at the cost of our mother tongues. It's about balance, I guess. He became the GOAT without it, so maybe it's not everything.
P
Priyanka N
His feet did all the talking on the field! 😄 But seriously, this is very relatable. Many of us from smaller towns in India face this "half-ignorant" feeling when we move to metros or interact globally. It's never too late to learn, though!
D
David E
Interesting perspective. As someone who has worked in India, the emphasis on English fluency is immense. Messi's regret highlights that language is a tool for connection, not just a corporate skill. His humility is what makes him a true legend.
K
Karthik V
True that! In today's world, being multilingual is a superpower. But let's not forget, his passion and dedication to football were his real language. That's the lesson for our youth—excel at what you love, but keep learning other things too. 🏆

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50