Lionel Messi has shared a personal regret that he hopes his children won’t face, despite his remarkable success in football.
The Argentine star reflected on his upbringing, noting how his perspective has changed with experience.
His insights remind us that even top athletes learn valuable lessons from their past.
Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi regrets not studying more
In a conversation on the Miro de Atras podcast, Messi said, “I regret not having studied more. I tell my children the importance of having a good education.”
Messi left school early to focus on football, moving from Argentina to Spain as a teenager to join Barcelona‘s academy.
While this choice led to worldwide fame, it also meant missing out on formal education during his crucial years.
As a father now, Messi stresses the importance of balancing education with sports.
Lionel Messi also wishes he had learned English earlier
Messi mentioned, “I regret not having learned English as a child. I had the time to do so and didn’t. I missed chances to connect with great people because I didn’t know how to speak English, and it felt awkward.”
The language barrier became more noticeable as his career grew internationally, especially during media appearances and global events where English is commonly used.
While Messi has adjusted to these challenges throughout his career, he acknowledged that earlier learning would have made important communications easier.
For someone who has conquered nearly every aspect of football, these reflections provide insight into personal growth beyond just achievements.