Lionel Messi Very Sorry for Not Learning English

Lionel Messi regrets not learning English so he looks stupid when meeting important figures (Instagram/@intermiamicf).

JAKARTA - Inter Miami star Lionel Messi expressed his regret for not diligently studying when he was young, especially in terms of learning English.

The captain of the Argentina National Team and winner of the 2022 World Cup admitted that he felt half-stupid when meeting famous figures throughout his impressive career and was unable to communicate.

"I regret a lot of things. Not learning English when I was a kid. I had time to at least learn English and I didn't do it. I really regret it."

"I've had situations where I've been with incredible and spectacular figures. When I can talk and chat, I feel half stupid."

"I always think, how stupid I was, how I wasted my time. When you're young, you don't realize it."

"That's what I tell my children, (the importance of) having a good education, to study and prepare. I always tell my children to take advantage of this opportunity."

"They have a different situation than I experienced, although I never lacked anything," Messi told the Mexican podcast Miro de Atras, reported by ESPN.

The 38-year-old arrived at Barcelona from his hometown of Rosario when he was 13.

"Last year of school in Argentina was a disaster. I knew I was going (to Barcelona). In Barcelona, I finished my high school with other kids who went to (Barcelona's youth academy) La Masia," he said.

Meanwhile, Messi - who joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after two years at Paris Saint-Germain - said football had taught him another valuable lesson.

"I was able to do everything and reach the top (in football), but along the way there were many experiences and lessons to be learned."

"It's true that football is a way of life. Football teaches you a lot, gives you a lot of values. Football creates lifelong bonds. You get to know different places," said the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.