![Robert Taylor and Lionel Messi have struck up a strong relationship on the pitch for Inter Miami (Image: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)](/upload/news/2023/08/01/81235.jpg)
Lionel Messi's teammate has revealed how the superstar is getting on when it comes to learning English following his blockbuster switch to the US.
The Argentine icon is a native Spanish speaker but has proven that the language barrier is no problem for a player of his extraordinary ability. With three strikes in two appearances so far for Inter Miami, and a burgeoning close relationship with his teammates and club co-owner David Beckham, he appears to be settling into life just fine in South Beach.
Of course, this is the first time the 36-year-old has plied his trade in an English-speaking country after spending years in Spain and France. And teammate Robert Taylor has described how the Herons' new talisman is getting on when it comes to conversing with his colleagues at DRV PNK Stadium.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Finnish international confirmed that everyone is making an effort to make Messi feel at home in Florida, saying: “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.
"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."
The World Cup winner is clearly making a major impression on those around him both on and off the pitch, with the superstar's humble approach to life having already shone through. Former Tottenham and Newcastle defender DeAndre Yedlin previously hinted that the veteran forward had already earned his respect due to his generosity within his first days in Fort Lauderdale.
The summer acquisition was eager to ensure all of his teammates were witness to his grand unveiling at the franchise's stadium last month and he stepped in to ensure Leonardo Campana had enough tickets for the event. The former Barcelona hero instantly responded to a request from the Ecuadorian in the team's WhatsApp and ensured his teammate did not go without.
Taylor matched the Argentine's goal haul in their most recent outing together - in the Leagues Cup versus Atlanta United - netting a brace of his own.
He added: "I've watched him play all my life at the highest level, and now, to play with him and to be in the same team as him is crazy. You watch him train and play every day and try and learn from him.
"His decision-making is unbelievable - I can't see him doing a wrong decision at all during the game or training, so you just want to try and learn. He comes to me and tells me how he wants me positioned in different situations."