“I understand everything” - Lionel Messi explains real reason why he doesn’t speak English despite knowing language

Lionel Messi has revealed that he can speak English and understand almost everything people say. However, he opts not to talk out of embarrassment.

Speaking in a press conference with the Spanish media, Messi admitted that he could speak English properly but felt embarrassed about it. The Inter Miami star added that he could understand everything and was quoted by The Sun as saying:

"I understand everything or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment I don't speak - but I think I can actually."

His Inter Miami teammate Julian Gressel also revealed to the media that Messi did communicate in English while on the pitch. He said:

"Messi doesn't really ever speak to me much and if he did, then it was a little bit in Spanish always. I understand most of it in Spanish. He came over to me and said something in English. That was the first time he'd spoken to me in English, during the game. He was covering his mouth, like he always does. Then after -- this is the funny part about it -- he goes, 'English pretty good, no?'"

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was seen in a Bad Boys promo video which went viral on social media. The Argentine said 'Bad Boys' in the video, and the fans were delighted to hear him say a couple of words in English.

Lionel Messi admits he is close to retiring but not thinking about it

Lionel Messi admitted during the same interaction that it was difficult to leave Europe. The Inter Miami star added that he was close to retirement but was still not thinking about it.

"I've done this all of my life. I love playing ball. I enjoy the training, the day to day, the games. Yeah, there's a bit of fear that it's all ending. It's always there. It was a difficult step leaving Europe to come here.

"The fact we won the World Cup helped. It helped a lot, to see things in another way. But I try not to think about [retiring]. I try to enjoy it. I do that more now because I'm aware that there's not a lot of time left."

Argentina take on Canada on Thursday, June 20, in their first Copa America clash. They will be up against Chile and Peru in the other group-stage matches.