Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about something very personal. Even though he is one of the most famous and successful athletes in the world, Messi admitted that not being able to speak English fluently has made him feel “ignorant” at times, especially when he is with global personalities.

The
Inter Miami star shared his feelings during a podcast appearance with Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman on YouTube. Speaking to his former teammate, Messi said he regrets not focusing more on his studies when he was younger, especially learning English.

Messi revealed that he studied only until high school before fully dedicating his life to football. He started his journey with Newell’s Old Boys and later made his historic move to FC Barcelona, where he became one of the greatest players in history before leaving in 2021.

Messi on not learning English

Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is often surrounded by international players, business leaders and global celebrities. Messi said that he sometimes regrets not knowing English when he is in such situations. This is the first time he has acknowledged this publicly.

“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 was quoted as saying in the Miro de Atrás podcast.

“Not having learned English as a kid. I had the time to study at least English and I didn’t do it and I regret it a lot. Later, I found myself in situations where I was with incredible, amazing personalities, and I could have had a conversation with them but instead you feel kind of ignorant,” Messi added.

Messi has always chosen to speak in Spanish and kept a low profile amongst people who don’t understand the language. He recently visited India for a fan tour and was seen delivering speeches to tens of hundreds of Indians in Spanish, with a translator translating in English. His interaction with Indian politicians and celebrities was also minimal since he couldn’t speak English.

Lionel Messi caused a bit of a stir after Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener on Sunday. A video that went viral on social media showed Messi upset with match referees and allegedly trying to enter their locker room to argue.

The video also showed Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez, who was trying to grab his arm to stop him from approaching the area. Several reports later suggested that Messi may have tried to enter the referees’ dressing room, which is not allowed and could have led to a suspension.

In one of the videos, Messi could be seen arguing with Canadian referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere as he walks back to the dressing room. However, the latest reports suggest that Messi will not face any action for entering the referee’s locker room.

Why will Messi not be punished?

After reviewing the situation, Major League Soccer (MLS) said
Lionel Messi did nothing wrong. The area he went through was not restricted, and he did not enter the referees’ actual dressing room.

Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for the Professional Referees Organization (PRO), which is responsible for referee assignments in football leagues across USA and Canada, confirmed that Messi did not break any rules.

“After speaking with the match officials, we can confirm Lionel Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room,” PRO said in a statement the next day as quoted by ESPN.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano also said he didn’t see Messi upset during the match. “No, no, no, I didn’t see anything. The truth is that the game is over and then I go into the locker room,” he said.

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The incident drew comparisons to a 2023 case when FC Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga entered the referees’ locker room after a playoff game and was suspended.

Messi has been vocal in MLS before about refereeing. After a 3-0 loss to Orlando City SC in 2025, he criticised a referee for missing a call that led to a goal. He has also received yellow cards for dissent in previous games.

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Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has revealed his plan to bring Lionel Messi back to the club if he wins the upcoming elections. Font said he wants Messi to return to Barcelona so that the Argentine legend can get a proper farewell in front of the fans at Camp Nou.

A crying Messi left FC Barcelona in 2021 in very emotional circumstances. The club was facing serious financial problems back then and could not afford to renew his expensive contract. As a result, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and later moved to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Also Read:
Inside football’s pre-season tours: Why Messi’s presence matters more than the game

Speaking to AS, Font said that Messi’s relationship with the club can only be repaired if current president Joan Laporta is no longer in charge. According to him, if he wins the elections, Messi’s “last dance” at Barcelona is possible.

“During the pre-election period, names are thrown around. We try to generate enthusiasm based on facts. And the undeniable reality is that this reconciliation with Messi will never happen with [Joan] Laporta. If we win the elections, Messi’s last dance is possible,” Font said.

Font said Messi is not just a great footballer but also a role model as a person. He described Messi as hardworking, committed and honest, someone who truly represents Barcelona and its values.

Font also claimed that Messi was “deceived” twice, first in 2021 when he arrived to renew his contract but had to leave, and again in 2023 when he wanted to return under then-coach Xavi Hernandez, but the move did not happen.

“Messi is a role model not only as a footballer but also as a person. Messi reflects what we Barça fans are like. A hard-working, committed, and honest leader who loves Barca. We mustn’t forget that Messi has been deceived twice: in 2021, when he arrived in Barcelona to renew his contract, and in 2023, when he wanted to return to the club of his life with Xavi Hernandez. After raising his hopes, the board once again closed the door on him,” he added.

Font says Messi deserves a proper farewell

Font believes Messi deserves a proper goodbye on the pitch and not in a closed room. He said a player of Messi’s level should retire wearing the Barcelona shirt in front of the fans. However, he added that everything depends on Messi’s wishes and his situation at the end of 2026.

“Messi cannot end his time with Barca with a farewell in a closed room. It’s unthinkable. Messi must retire on the pitch. Obviously, how he does it depends on his wishes and his situation at the end of 2026. What we do want to say is that the only way he can say goodbye in the way he deserves, in his kit and on the pitch, is if Joan Laporta is no longer in power after March 16,” Font said.

Font also revealed that he is ready to offer Messi the role of Honorary President of the club in the future. He said this would be a way to keep the connection between Messi and Barcelona alive even after his playing career ends. “We have proposed to him to be Honorary President of the Club,” he added.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player in Barcelona’s history. During his time at the club, he broke many goal-scoring records and won numerous trophies, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. His departure in 2021 shocked the football world, as many believed he would retire at Camp Nou.

The presidential elections at Barcelona are heating up. The process officially began on February 9 and will end with voting on March 15. Laporta, who is currently president, was first in charge from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2021. He is considered one of the most successful presidents in the club’s history.