When Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona in August 2021, he confirmed that he’d been learning English for 18 months.The legendary Argentine forward told Guillem Balague (in Spanish): "I've been learning English for a year and a half.â€He then said that he understands the language, to an extent, but doesn’t speak it.It’s unclear whether Messi has continued his English studies during his time in France, but new footage posted to social media suggests he may well have been.Messi’s fans have long been hoping to hear their hero speak a few words of English, just to discover how strange it’d sound after all these years.And their hopes appear to have come true after magician Julius Dein met the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, along with his PSG teammates, at a fundraising event on Thursday night.Dein, who boasts 6.7 million followers on Instagram alone, posted several videos on his Instagram story - one of which involved Messi and Marco Verratti.
TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 02: Marco Verratti and Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain look on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain at Juventus Stadium on November 02, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Video: Has Lionel Messi finally spoken in English?
Fans believe that at one point Messi said “very nice of you†in English.
Watch the clip here:
And here’s another, clearer, video:
It certainly sounds like Messi says “very nice of youâ€, doesn’t it?
The footage has subsequently gone viral on social media, with excited fans thinking they’ve finally heard Messi speak a few words of English.
Let’s check out some of the reaction:
Is Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami?
It was widely reported in November that Messi was close to agreeing a deal to join Inter Miami next season.
If true, then it would make sense that Messi was continuing to learn the language, as him and his family prepare to move to the United States.
The Times exclusively revealed that Inter Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, were expecting that the world-class star would sign after the World Cup in Qatar.
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 29: David Beckham addresses the crowd during the press conference announcing an MLS franchise in Miami at the Knight Concert Hall on January 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
They believed that Messi would leave PSG at the end of the European season.
However, things now appear to be less certain on that front after Messi inspired Argentina to glory in Qatar.
Still widely regarded as one of the world’s best players at the age of 35, there’s every chance that Messi will continue at PSG for at least one more season.
It’s also expected that Messi will continue this international career, possibly through to the 2024 Copa America.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - DECEMBER 20: Lionel Messi holds the FIFA World Cup during the arrival of the Argentina men's national football team after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on December 20, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
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