02 March 2024 , 17:33
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Lionel Messi left one of his teammates stunned when he spoke to him in fluent English - a language he's not always been comfortable with.
The Argentinian secured a stunning move to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 and has already made a significant impact. One of the question marks many had regarding the 36-year-old’s move to the MLS was the language barrier as Messi’s native tongue is Spanish.
While he has yet to speak English publicly, the World Cup winner is learning the language, and his hard work is paying off. Teammate Julian Gressel, who joined Inter Miami this summer, spoke about playing with arguably the sport’s greatest-ever player. He also expressed his surprise at the former Barcelona player giving him tactical advice in English.
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“Between me and Leo we've had this running joke a little bit ever since the first few days,” Gressel shared on his Player Manager podcast. “I asked him if he speaks any English and he was like 'no, not really, your Spanish is probably better than my English' There was one moment in Saudi, I forget which game it was but maybe the first game, against Al Hilal and he came over to me and spoke to me in English.
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"It was the first time he spoke to me in English." Recalling the moment, Gressel added: “During the game he covers his mouth because there are always a billion cameras on him. He covers his mouth and says 'now, we change. You stay and Jordi (Alba) runs, Jordi goes more in behind'. I was just like 'yes, ok - sounds good!' The funny part was after, he goes 'English, pretty good, no?'. I was like 'yes, very very good! I understood everything!’”
Gressel is not the only Inter Miami player who commented on Messi’s English-speaking skills. Back in August 2023, approximately two weeks after Messi made his debut for the club, Robert Taylor told Sky Sports about the football legend’s level of English. “I'm taking Spanish lessons and he's taking English lessons. Still, the conversation level isn't great, but, on the field, it's different," the forward said.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Julian Gressel #24 of Inter Miami CF dribbles the ball during the second half of a friendly match against Newell's Old Boys at DRV PNK Stadium on February 15, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)"I feel like football is a language where if you link up with someone, you don't necessarily have to speak the same language - you just play well together. I've heard him say a couple things in English to me and couple of players around him, so I think he speaks pretty good English."
Messi has enjoyed a decent start to the MLS season as Miami began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Messi assisted Taylor for the game's opening goal, while debutant Luis Suarez set up Diego Gomez for the second.
They drew their second game with LA Galaxy, as Messi scored a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park. The club will be back in action on Saturday night when they host Orlando City.