Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi explained his reluctance to speak in English despite being understood when he communicates in the language. The Argentine has been in the US - a predominantly English-speaking country since 2023.
Messi, 38, is one of the most recognisable and popular players on the planet and widely regarded as one of the best ever to grace the beautiful game. A Barcelona legend, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived on US shores, joining Inter Miami on a free transfer and has been there since then.
The Argentina captain usually prefers communicating in Spanish, his native language, and it seems he has some degree of proficiency in English but that he doesn't prefer speaking the language.
"I feel strange when speaking," Messi said (as per MC). "I don't like it, and I prefer to do everything in Spanish, but as for English, I think I can speak and others understand me."
Having spent his early years in his native Argentina - a Spanish-speaking country - Messi moved to Barcelona, Spain, another Spanish-speaking county, in September 2000 at the age of 13 before making his first-team debut four years later.
Following 17 seasons at the club, the Argentine spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the Herons in 2023.
Lionel Messi linked with shock Liverpool move
Argentina captain Lionel Messi
Argentina captain Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is contracted with his current club, Inter Miami, till the end of the 2028 season, having signed a new deal just three months ago. With the new MLS season yet to start, the 38-year-old has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool.
As per LatestLY, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner could join the Reds on a short-term loan deal (four-five weeks) ahead of the start of the new MLS season. It's pertinent to note that the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer, where Argentina will look to defend their title.
Messi is coming off a superb season with the Herons, striking 43 times and assisting 25, winning the MLS Cup and reaching their second Leagues Cup final in three years, losing 3-0 to Seattle Sounders.