Does Lionel Messi speak English?

Lionel Messi is able to doing the inconceivable on the pitch, and has been lauded as one of many biggest footballers of all-time.

He has carved out a legacy as Barcelona‘s talismanic striker, synonymous with the membership and town.

However does the Argentina worldwide converse English? Purpose takes a glance.

Does Messi converse English?

Having spent his total life dwelling in Spanish-speaking international locations Argentina and Spain, it’s protected to imagine that Messi doesn’t converse English.

The Barcelona striker would possibly be capable to perceive a couple of English phrases, however Messi is understood to be fluent in solely Spanish and Catalan.

Non-English footballers often study the language after enjoying at a membership the place English is the dominant language. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, turned fluent in English enjoying for Manchester United earlier than he left for Real Madrid and nonetheless has a robust grasp of the language.

Ronaldo even joked about performing as translator for each Messi and Neymar, neither of whom converse English, on the 2016 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

All three superstars had been up for the person award for the 12 months 2015, with Messi finally claiming his fifth award.

Ronaldo, who was enjoying for Actual Madrid on the time, completed in second place, with Neymar in third.

“We received nearer, however now we have at all times had relationship,” Ronaldo joked when requested about his expertise on the gala with Messi.

“Earlier than the gala, on the stage, I used to be a translator for Neymar and him [Messi]. I advised them they must pay me.”

Whereas Messi himself could not converse English, his accomplice Antontella speaks the language fluently.

In 2019, 11-year-old Mackenzie O’Neill encountered the shock of his life when he and his household ran into Messi, who was vacationing in Antigua along with his personal youngsters.

Messi invited the teen to play soccer with him and his son, Thiago.

“Messi’s spouse [Antonella] translated as a result of she speaks English very effectively,” Mackenzie mentioned.

“Afterward I ended up swimming with Messi and we went out on slightly boat and spent lots of time within the water.

“Messi was along with his household on the seashore. I used to be by myself and commenced to kick my ball a couple of ft from the place they had been.

“His dad Jorge threw a ball to me and requested if I wished to play with them after which we performed soccer with Thiago and Messi for 45 minutes.

“Taking part in with Leo within the water was nice enjoyable. He acted like a traditional dad. I additionally realised that Messi actually loved seeing his son play with different youngsters.”

He added: “The final night time Messi and his household had been right here I used to be enjoying with Thiago and gave him my soccer to maintain.

“However he ran after me alongside the seashore and insisted I preserve it. Afterwards Messi and his spouse mentioned goodbye to me with enormous smiles. I’m not going to overlook them.”