Lionel Messi reveals why he doesn’t speak English despite understanding it

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has revealed why he opted against speaking English despite having a good understanding of the language.

Undoubtedly one of the greatest football player, Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona as a youngster and was on the verge of spending his entire career at the Spanish club.

However, financial struggles in Barca led to him leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Messi left the French Ligue 1 team for Inter Miami following the expiration of his contract.

Messi is now in the United States, but has a large Spanish-speaking community around him in Florida.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently showed off his English skills in a promotional video for the latest Bad Boys film starring Will Smith. However, he does not need to make uncomfortable statements in public.

Messi claims he would be able to do so if pushed, telling Abitare that his grasp of English is better than many give him credit for.

He said: “I understand everything, or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment I don’t speak – but I think I can actually.”

Messi is currently preparing for the 2024 Copa America alongside his fellow countrymen.

He will be hoping to successfully defend that continental title before returning to Chase Stadium and rejoining Inter Miami’s quest for MLS Cup glory.