‘What an Idiot, how I wasted my time’ — Messi reveals biggest regret

Messi admits regretting failure to learn English despite football success

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has revealed that one of his biggest regrets is failing to learn English during childhood, despite having opportunities to study the language.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made the admission during an interview with Mexican podcast Miro de Atrás in February, with his remarks recently resurfacing online.

According to OneFootball, Messi expressed frustration over missed opportunities to communicate with influential personalities throughout his career.

“I regret many things,” Messi said.

“To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn’t do it. I deeply regret it.”

The Inter Miami forward explained that language barriers had sometimes prevented him from engaging meaningfully with prominent individuals.

“I experienced situations where I was with incredible and spectacular personalities to be able to talk and have a chat and you feel half ignorant. I always thought: ‘What an idiot, how I wasted my time.’”

Messi said his experience had influenced how he advises his children about education and preparation for life.

“When you’re young, you don’t realise it. Today that’s what I tell my children, having a good education, to study and be prepared.”

The former Barcelona star encouraged young people to take advantage of educational opportunities, stressing the importance of learning beyond football.