Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, recently opened up about a significant regret from his illustrious career. In a podcast interview, he revealed that he deeply regrets not taking the time to learn English during his younger years. Messi acknowledged that he had ample opportunity to study the language but chose not to, which led to feelings of exclusion in situations where he met other global sports icons and could not effectively communicate with them due to his weak language skills.

Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, and eventually moving to Barcelona, Spain at the age of 13 to pursue his football career, Messi shared how his education and language studies were overshadowed by his dedication to the sport. He described his final year in school in Argentina as a 'disaster' and recognized that the intense focus on football left little room for academic pursuits. This lack of attention to language learning has constantly made him reflect on wasted opportunities, as he noted feeling 'like an idiot' for not valuing the importance of language education at that time.

Messi's admission highlights the challenges that young athletes often face in balancing their sports careers with education. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of language skills, especially in today's globalized world, where effective communication can open doors to new opportunities and enhance personal growth. By sharing his regrets, Messi also encourages younger generations to prioritize learning languages, which can significantly enrich their life experiences and connections within a global context.