Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has revealed that one of his biggest regrets in life is not learning English while growing up, saying the language barrier made him feel uncomfortable during important moments in his career.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made the disclosure in a recent interview, where he reflected on his childhood, education and lessons learned from more than two decades at the top of world football.
According to Messi, his busy early career meant he did not pay enough attention to formal education, especially learning English, which later became a challenge in his global journey.
“I regret many things, especially not learning English as a boy,” he said.
The Inter Miami star explained that despite having opportunities to study the language, he did not take advantage of them.
He said this affected his ability to communicate with influential personalities he met during his career.
Messi said he sometimes felt uncomfortable in such situations.
He admitted that being unable to hold conversations made him feel less confident.
“I experienced situations where I was with incredible personalities and you feel half ignorant,” he said.
The former Barcelona forward added that looking back, he believes he wasted valuable time when he was younger.
“I always thought: ‘What an idiot, how I wasted my time,’” he said.
Messi said these experiences have shaped the way he now raises his children, stressing the importance of education and preparation for the future.
He said he always advises them to take their studies seriously.
According to him, young people often do not understand the importance of education until later in life.
“When you’re young, you don’t realise it. Today that’s what I tell my children, the importance of having a good education,” he said.
The football icon also spoke about his childhood and early career.
He moved from Rosario in Argentina to Spain at the age of 13 to join Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.
Messi admitted that his final year in school before moving abroad was difficult.
He said his focus was already on football, which affected his academic performance.
“It was a disaster,” he said about his last year in school.
At Barcelona, he later completed his education alongside other academy players.
His comments have sparked global discussions about the importance of education, especially for young athletes and celebrities.
Many observers say his message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where communication and global interaction are critical.
The development has also attracted attention in Nigeria and other African countries, where young footballers often leave school early to pursue professional careers.
Experts say the story highlights the risks of focusing only on sports without developing other skills.
Nigeria has produced many talented footballers who have achieved global success, but some struggled with language and education challenges after retirement.
Analysts say education is now becoming more important for athletes because of business opportunities, endorsements and global exposure.
Messi’s career is one of the most successful in football history.
He won multiple trophies with Barcelona, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in 2023.
He also led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Despite these achievements, Messi said football alone does not teach everything.
He explained that life experiences, education and discipline are equally important.
“It’s true that football is a way of life. It teaches you a lot and gives you values,” he said.
He added that the sport also helped him build relationships and travel around the world.
His reflections have also drawn attention to the challenges faced by athletes who grow up in difficult environments.
Many young players focus entirely on sports because of poverty or limited opportunities.
However, experts warn that only a small percentage succeed professionally.
As a result, education is seen as a safety net.
In Nigeria, football academies and youth development programmes have increasingly started including education as part of their training.
Stakeholders say this is necessary to prepare players for life after football.
The Nigerian Football Federation and private academies have also encouraged young athletes to complete their education.
Some clubs now partner with schools to ensure players continue learning while training.
Sports analysts say Messi’s story could inspire young African footballers to strike a balance between sports and academics.
The global football industry is becoming more competitive and business-oriented.
Players now need media, financial and communication skills to succeed.
Language skills are especially important because football is a global game.
Players interact with coaches, sponsors, journalists and fans from different countries.
English remains the dominant language in international sports.
Many African footballers now learn English and other languages to improve their opportunities.
Messi’s reflections also come at a time when sports stars are increasingly using their platforms to promote education and personal development.
Several global athletes have established foundations and scholarship programmes.
Some have also returned to school after retirement.
Observers say such efforts help young people see sports as part of a broader life journey.
Messi’s comments also underline the importance of planning for life beyond sports.
Experts say many retired athletes face financial and emotional challenges due to poor preparation.
Education and communication skills can help them transition into coaching, business, media or public service.
For Nigeria, where football remains one of the most popular careers among young people, the message is significant.
Youth unemployment and economic challenges often push many to seek opportunities in sports.
However, stakeholders warn that only a few reach the top.
Messi’s story therefore serves as a reminder that success in sports should go hand in hand with education.
His reflections have been widely praised by fans and commentators.
Many say it shows humility and self-awareness from one of the greatest athletes in history.
It also highlights the human side of global stars.
Despite fame and success, they still face regrets and lessons like everyone else.
As young players across Nigeria and the world continue to dream of football glory, Messi’s message remains clear.
Talent alone is not enough.
Education, discipline and preparation are just as important for long-term success. His words may therefore shape how future generations approach sports and life beyond the game
