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Lionel Messi.
The legendary Argentine soccer maestro has been captivating fans around the world for years.
Widely considered the best soccer player ever to grace the beautiful game, Messi’s contribution to the sport has been (and continues to be) profound.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence extends far beyond the soccer pitch; people everywhere, both young and old, look up to Messi for inspiration in other areas of life.
People want to know more about this astonishingly talented man, and a frequently asked question is whether Messi can speak English and if he is learning the language.
His recent decision to move to the MLS club Inter Miami has left even more people wondering whether Leo Messi will be learning English as he embarks on a new chapter of his career in the United States.
Messi has claimed he can understand English but cannot speak it well. While at French giants Paris Saint Germain, he stated that he had been learning English since 2019. Despite not being fluent in the language, Messi will undoubtedly improve his English proficiency and confidence during his time playing soccer in the United States.
Being able to speak English will help Messi integrate better into life in Miami.
It will give him valuable tools to accompany him in whatever he chooses to do after he retires from soccer.
In this article, we will explore Messi’s relationship with English and some ways in which he can improve in learning the language.
Cleats at the ready; let’s jump in!
Messi and English
English is the world’s most spoken and studied language and serves as a bridge of communication for many athletes.
Speaking English is highly valued in the world of sports as it bolsters communication between teammates, coaches, and fans.
Even though Messi is at the top of his game, learning English can still bring value into his life and allow him to connect with the world through endorsements and interviews.
Messi spent the majority of his career in Spain and can speak two languages fluently: Catalan and Spanish.
After moving to Paris, Messi lived in a non-Spanish-speaking country for the first time.
During this time, Messi was asked whether he could speak English, as it is the lingua franca of European football.
Speaking to the BBC, Messi revealed that he’d been learning English for a year and a half. He added: “I understand it but I don’t speak it.”
Pro Soccer Wire, USA Today
Messi’s English fluency will likely improve during his time in the United States.
He will be much more immersed and incentivized to speak the language.
Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo is very proficient in English, so Messi will have ample opportunity to practice the language both on the pitch and at home!
Messi’s English skills have undoubtedly improved over time.
While he may not yet be fluent, with effort, determination, and practice, Messi will surely soon be connecting on a more personal level with his English-speaking fans.
He shows a desire to speak the language and is in the perfect setting to improve his English skills.
Now let’s look at some aspects of Messi learning English in more detail:
1. Challenges for Messi
Learning a new language is no easy feat, and any learner will have to overcome their own set of obstacles.
Messi is a very busy individual with a demanding schedule, and having so many commitments to his team, his family, and other areas of his life may prove challenging for him to remain consistent in his English learning endeavors.
He is learning English as an adult, which is also considered more difficult than it is for a young person.
Despite his excellent work ethic, learning the intricacies of English grammar, new vocabulary, and proper pronunciation can be daunting for someone as talented as he.
Check out the article below to learn more about the difficulty of learning English.
Related Article: Is the English Language Hard to Learn? – Answered
2. Messi’s Determination
Messi is known for his dedication and excellence, so he certainly has what it takes to learn English effectively.
He has shown consistently throughout his life that he has exceptional levels of determination and self-control that will significantly aid him in accomplishing whatever he sets his sights on.
Messi understands the advantages of speaking English and will surely succeed if he remains motivated and consistent.
As with any language learner, their progress rate greatly depends on the time and dedication they put in.
Messi is making an effort to learn English, and his level of dedication may increase or reduce in the near future, depending on how he feels about it when playing in the MLS.
Being such a role model for millions of fans around the world may drive Messi to learn English faster than he would have otherwise.
Check out the video below that details Messi’s relationship with English:
Messi’s English Progress
Messi has made progress in his English proficiency.
While it is challenging to know exactly how much he understands, he has shown increased confidence in his willingness to speak snippets of English.
There is not much footage of Messi speaking English, but as we can see in the video above, he is learning the language but is not proficient enough to hold a conversation yet.
Let’s look at his progress in more detail:
1. English in Interviews
Messi has been known to occasionally incorporate a little English into his interview responses.
While he does rely on interpreters and translators for more complex discussions, he can use basic English phrases to express himself directly.
This shows he has committed to learning the language and intends to engage with his English-speaking fans.
2. Social Media
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are powerful tools for celebrities to connect directly with their fans.
Messi has occasionally shared posts in English through his official social media accounts.
Although this doesn’t prove fluency, it shows a desire to connect with his English-speaking fans.
Messi has been known to say basic English words and phrases but doesn’t appear to have a great deal of confidence in using the language online.
Another global football superstar who makes people wonder whether they can speak English is Brazil’s Neymar!
For insights into Neymar’s language skills, check out the link below!
Related: Does Neymar Speak English? – Everything You Need to Know
3. Messi’s Personal Experience
Lionel Messi’s English learning journey is not limited to the world of sports.
As mentioned above, his wife speaks English, and he has many colleagues both on and off the pitch who communicate in it.
Messi will be immersed in an English-speaking environment during his time in the MLS, so his English proficiency will surely improve.
Whether he will achieve fluency remains to be seen, but he may very well be able to start speaking English in interviews, which would be a great sign of his progress!
What is the relationship between most football clubs and the English language?
Find out in the link below!
Related: Do Most Football Clubs Use English as a Lingua Franca?
4. Resources
Messi will have access to a wealth of resources to improve his English skills.
His new team may encourage him to learn English by finding him a tutor.
An English tutor who can focus their energy on Messi’s language proficiency will surely see great progress in Messi’s development.
They will be able to tailor lessons and address Messi’s specific needs and goals.
Messi could also use resources such as language apps, movies and songs, and great websites that focus on English like this one!
Access to such materials can be very convenient and effective for someone as busy as Messi.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi is widely lauded as the best soccer player of all time.
He is fluent in Catalan and Spanish, and though he is learning English, he does not currently speak it.
Messi can say a few words and phrases in English, but he has never been in an environment that demanded the English language.
With his recent move to the MLS, Messi will have more desire than ever to learn English and connect with his English-speaking fans.
He is famed for his hard work and dedication, so we expect Messi’s English proficiency to improve during his tenure in the United States.
Messi strives for excellence both on and off the pitch and is a role model to millions worldwide.
By learning English, he will be sure to expand his horizons and connect with more of his loving fans everywhere.
We hope this has helped you better understand Messi and his English ability and how it may change moving forward.
Have a wonderful day!
Image Attribution: All images licensed via canva.com
