{
  "id": 15430075,
  "title": "Lionel Messi explains why he avoids speaking English in public",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lionel-messi-explains-why-he-avoids-speaking-english-in-public",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T14:32:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/sports/69f67z8s6"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has explained his aversion to speaking English in public, despite his fluency in the language. In an interview with LUZU TV, the Argentine star revealed that he feels embarrassed when using English in front of others, describing it as feeling strange. This reluctance is not due to a lack of proficiency, but rather a sense of discomfort he experiences when speaking English around others. Messi prefers to communicate in Spanish, even though he does engage in English conversations with his three sons when they are alone.\n\nThis aversion to public English speaking is not new for Messi. In a previous interview on the Miro de Atrás podcast, hosted by Nahuel Guzmán, he admitted that he regrets not dedicating his school years to learning English. Messi expressed regret for not taking advantage of the opportunity and time he had during his youth to study the language. He found his regret particularly poignant when he encounters prominent figures he would like to communicate with, but is unable to do so due to his reluctance to speak English in public. Messi explained his frustration, stating that he feels ignorant in these situations, wishing he had made better use of the time when he could have spoken with these individuals.",
  "summary": "Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi says he feels embarrassed speaking English in public, despite being able to use the language fluently.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Lionel Messi now has a flower named after him, and the reason is beautiful",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lionel-messi-now-has-a-flower-named-after-him-and-the-reason-is",
        "published": "2026-10-18T06:06:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Lionel Messi's legacy takes root with plant tribute",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lionel-messis-legacy-takes-root-with-plant-tribute",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:55:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}