Lionel Messi reveals why he doesn't speak English despite 'understanding everything'
Lionel Messi will be next seen in Argentine colours at the Copa America
Football megastar Lionel Messi is adored by fans across the world for being one of the greatest to ever play the sport. Messi, originally from Argentina, spentthe majority of his formative and playing career in Spain where Spanish is the preferred language. However, since moving to the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US, Messi has been seen speaking more and more English.
Quizzed during a press conference about his English-speaking skills, Messi admitted that he could speak the language properly but felt 'embarrassed' about it.
“I understand everything, or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment I don't speak - but I think I can actually," said Messi.
The Inter Miami star was recently seenin a promotional video for the latest Bad Boys film starring Will Smith. Messi showed off his English skills in the video which instantly went viral all across social media.
Messi jokes in English
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His Inter Miami teammateJulian Gressel also revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had a shy demeanour but did speak enough English to joke on the pitch.
“Messi doesn't really ever speak to me much and if he did, then it was a little bit in Spanish always. I understand most of it in Spanish," said Gressel.
"He came over to me and said something in English. That was the first time he'd spoken to me in English, during the game. He was covering his mouth, like he always does. Then after - this is the funny part about it - he goes, 'English pretty good, no?'”
Having reachedthe pinnacle of hisfootball career in 2022 by winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for his country, Messi would now be hoping to say goodbye with one last silverware in the form of Copa America.
The continental competition gets underway on Thursday (Jun 20) with Argentina facing off against Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten Brazil in the summit clash in 2021 at the Marcana.
Argentina are the favourites to win the tournament, followed by rivals Brazil and Uruguay. Messi remains the point of difference between the teams and the Argentine would be hoping to emulate his World Cup form yet again.