Lionel Messi may be the most popular footballer on the planet and one of the highest-earning athletes in sports history, but that doesn’t exempt the Inter Miami superstar from having very human feelings. In a remarkably sincere appearance on a podcast with Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, the Argentine No. 10 admitted that not being able to communicate fluently in English has made him feel “ignorant” at certain moments.
Messi regrets it and encourages education
Speaking on the podcast Miro de Atrás, the World Cup champion opened up about his academic background. Messi revealed that he only studied up to high school before dedicating his entire life to professional football, first with Newell’s Old Boys and later after his historic move to FC Barcelona.
“In my last year in Argentina, since I knew I was leaving, I didn’t do anything. I regret so many things-I tell my kids this. Having a good education, studying, and being prepared,” Messi said.
Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, Messi regularly interacts with international stars, business figures, and global celebrities. That environment, he admitted, has made him feel the consequences of not having learned English earlier in life.
“I tell my kids that today they have the opportunity-don’t waste it. I had time to study English as a kid and I didn’t do it. I was an idiot. Now I’m around incredible celebrities and sometimes I’ve felt like an ignorant person,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner confessed.
It’s no secret that the Inter Miami captain has taken part in global marketing campaigns where teammates speak in English, French, or even Chinese. However, Messi has consistently chosen to communicate only in Spanish, maintaining a low profile in multilingual settings.
Beyond trophies, records, and his GOAT status in world football, this confession highlights a different side of Lionel Messi-one that underscores the importance of education, academic preparation, and personal growth beyond the pitch.
Hopefully, his words will serve as inspiration for younger generations to pursue both sporting excellence and academic development.
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