Messi Regrets Skipping English Lessons in Youth

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer icon now starring for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, recently opened up about personal regrets from his youth during an appearance on the Mexican podcast "Miro de Atrás." The 37-year-old forward, who has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, expressed remorse over not prioritizing education, particularly learning English, as he navigated his early career challenges and global moves.

Messi, reflecting on his journey from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona at age 13, described the emotional farewell from his hometown. "I was a kid, but I remember," he said. "I had my friends, my school, everything in Rosario. But I was happy, excited, and looking forward to what it would be like to go to Barcelona. I remember how the whole neighborhood came out to say goodbye. They went to the Rosario airport to see us off. It was impressive. It was like something out of a movie." He noted that the send-off was for the entire Messi family, not just the budding talent who would become a legend.

Upon arriving in Spain, Messi's first year proved difficult. He could not play for six months due to transfer issues and then...