Messi Regrets Not Studying Properly

Lionel Messi’s love for football began in his earliest childhood. From the moment he could kick a ball, football was his world, and he devoted himself to it with unwavering passion. That dedication has borne fruit: the Argentine legend has won nearly every major trophy in football, including the FIFA World Cup. In any concise list of the greatest players of all time, Messi’s name appears without question.

Naturally, at 38, Messi’s life is filled with professional achievements and personal fulfilment. Yet, outside the pitch, he admits to certain regrets—particularly regarding his education. In a recent appearance on the Mexican podcast Mire De Atras, he told former Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán that not learning properly as a child, especially English, has sometimes left him feeling inadequate.

Messi’s story is well known: he struggled with a growth hormone deficiency in childhood and joined Barcelona’s youth academy at an early age. From that point, there was no turning back. Success followed relentlessly, first at Barcelona, then Paris Saint-Germain, and with the Argentina national team. Reflecting on his childhood, Messi admitted that he had the time to focus on studies but chose to prioritise football. “I have regrets about many things. I tell my children: not getting a proper education, not learning English as a child—these are things I wish I had done differently,” he said.

He went on to describe the discomfort he feels when language barriers arise. “There are times when you are with prominent figures, needing to converse or interact, and you feel ignorant. I think, how foolish I was and how much time I wasted.”

Now, Messi uses these life lessons to guide his three children. He encourages them to seize every opportunity life offers. “I lacked nothing as a child; my father always did his best for me. But they now have even greater opportunities,” he reflected.

Messi’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup remains uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to play, he emphasises the need to manage his fitness carefully. The tournament will commence on 11 June, hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Looking back at Argentina’s 2022 World Cup journey, Messi recalled their critical 2–0 victory over Mexico, describing it as a match they approached with fear, knowing elimination was a possibility.

Messi’s Club and International Career Summary

Messi also shared a broader life message: “Life must be enjoyed, even when difficult. Not everyone experiences the same circumstances; many face unique and harsh realities. Yet, one should never stop enjoying life. Personally, I relish what is happening in my life now—family, children, daily routines, small moments. Each day is precious because we never know what tomorrow holds.”

Messi has begun a new Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami, though the start was challenging. The team suffered a 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in their opening match, highlighting that even legends face setbacks on new journeys.