Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has set social media ablaze on May 28 after a video of him speaking English surfaced on X (formerly Twitter).
Widely regarded as the world’s best footballer, Messi is known for his preference for Spanish, having spent most of his professional career in Spain, Argentina, and a few years in Paris.
Even at international events like the FIFA awards and Ballon d’Or ceremonies, the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) typically avoids speaking English.
However, in a surprising twist, Messi was heard speaking a two-line English sentence in a trailer for “Bad Boys,” an American movie.
This rare occurrence has taken the internet by storm, with fans expressing their astonishment.
American actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, stars of the “Bad Boys” franchise, interacted with Messi, leading to this unexpected revelation.
One fan exclaimed, “Did Lionel Messi just speak English?” while another noted, “Leo Messi spoke in English for the first time.”
Messi’s newfound English proficiency could be influenced by his current tenure with Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer team in the United States, suggesting he is learning the language to better integrate with his American surroundings.
Interestingly, Messi’s English-speaking abilities are not entirely new.
According to a UK news portal, Joe.co.uk, his Inter Miami teammate Julian Gressel recounted his surprise at hearing Messi speak fluent English during a game.
On the Player Manager podcast, Gressel shared: “Between me and Leo, we’ve had this running joke since the first few days. I asked him if he speaks any English, and he said, ‘no, not really, your Spanish is probably better than my English.’ But then, during a game, he spoke to me in English.”
Gressel continued: “Messi covered his mouth to avoid cameras and instructed me in English, saying, ‘now, we change. You stay, and Jordi (Alba) runs, Jordi goes more in behind.’ Afterward, he joked, ‘English, pretty good, no?’ I was like, ‘yes, very, very good! I understood everything!’”
Messi’s English revelation has provided a new dimension to his already legendary status, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to his current role in the American soccer landscape.
Watch video below:
Messi speaking English in Bad Boys ad 😭
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 28, 2024
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