Imagine taking a stroll somewhere and suddenly encountering your favorite athlete. Naturally, your first instinct would be to rush over, express your fandom, and maybe even ask for an autograph or selfie—whatever feels appropriate at that moment. But what if they only speak a foreign language you don’t understand? That’s a challenge with some athletes, like Lionel Messi, who don’t communicate in a universal language like English.

Recently, an X user named @Dogo04755908 highlighted this issue, stating, “Even tho I’m Argentine, I find Messi’s laziness and lack of engagement with the English-speaking fans lame and even disrespectful, come on man, you had enough time to learn some basic English and speak it… look at [Christian] Pulisic, he’s already doing interviews in Italian!”

Notably, this was tweeted on one of Alexi Lalas’ X posts, where this fan randomly wrote this post criticizing the Argentinian star while drawing a comparison to Pulisic. Interestingly, Lalas was quick to jump to Messi’s defense stating, “I don’t think it’s laziness or disrespect. I think it’s simply a lack of incentive and necessity.”

Further adding to the Inter Miami star’s defense for not learning English in his career spanning more than two decades, the USWNT icon added, “Reality is that Messi, like many in the U.S. who don’t speak English, is still able to easily and comfortably function in American culture with little to no adverse consequence.”

“No hablo Ingles!?” In case you’re wondering, that’s what Lionel Messi will usually say to you, if you’re lucky enough to cross paths with him and try to talk your way through your fandom. No wonder the Argentinian fan clearly feels for other fans around the world that La Pulga’s lack of initiative to learn English affects those who are eager to engage with the World Cup winner.

While one would say this Argentinian fan is right in his own way, so is Lalas, who makes a valid point in Messi’s defense. Firstly, there’s no personal or professional benefit compelling enough to encourage him to do so. As far as his engaging with US fans due to his MLS move, he seems to function effectively in American culture without speaking English, as he can rely on Spanish or interpreters, and his global fame transcends language barriers.

Then again, one wonders why, over years of playing, the former FC Barcelona star hasn’t managed to learn English. Well, in reality, you’re wrong if you think Messi doesn’t speak or understand this universal language.

Here’s why Lionel Messi doesn’t speak English or any other language than Spanish!

In an interview, Lionel Messi himself once asserted that his understanding of English is stronger than people often assume and could even manage to pull up some verses if necessary. “I understand everything, or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment, I don’t speak—but I think I can actually,” he said.

To remind you, many fans got to hear Messi speak English for the first time when he joined Hollywood actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence to promote the Bad Boys film. The 37-year-old was heard just saying “Bad Boys?” in the viral advertisement, which was enough to showcase a glimpse of how he would sound in English.

What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi not speaking English? Let us know in the comments.