Lionel Messi explains why he avoids speaking English in public

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has revealed why he avoids speaking English in public, despite being able to use the language, explaining that he feels embarrassed when using it in front of others.

The Argentine star made the comments during an interview with LUZU TV, where he discussed his relationship with English. He admitted that his reluctance is not due to a lack of proficiency, but rather discomfort when speaking it around others.

Messi said: "I can speak English well, but I feel embarrassed, and it feels strange to me, so I prefer to do everything in Spanish."

He added that he does speak English with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, when they are alone together, but does not feel the same comfort using it in public.

Regret over not learning English earlier

This is not the first time Messi has spoken about his relationship with English. He previously admitted on the "Miro de Atrás" podcast, hosted by Nahuel Guzmán, that he regrets not investing his school years in learning the language.

Messi said at the time: "I regret not studying English when I was younger. I had the opportunity and the time, but I didn't do it."

He explained that this bothers him especially when he finds himself with prominent figures he would like to speak to, but cannot communicate with them as he wishes.

Speaking about such situations, he said: "I regret it, because when you are with amazing people you could talk to, you feel a bit ignorant and say to yourself: 'How foolish, why did I waste that time?'"