Rare Footage of Lionel Messi Speaking English ‘For the First Time’ Emerges

• A rare clip of Lionel Messi speaking English has gone viral on social media
• The Argentine veteran once only knew how to speak Spanish and Catalan
• Messi's future at PSG remains uncertain as he has not yet agreed to a deal

World champion, Lionel Messi has been spotted speaking English for what appears to be the first time during an event in France.

The 35-year-old was in born Argentina and grew up speaking Spanish as his country’s home language.

He moved to Barcelona at the age of 13 and then learned to speak Catalan during his impressive career at Camp Nou.

Living most of his life in Spain, Messi seemed unbothered with learning a new language. This is quite unlike other footballers, who switch to clubs in countries with different languages and seek to adapt to the team.

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But when the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner signed for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona in August 2021, he disclosed he’d been learning English for 18 months, as per Guillem Balague.

Clip of Messi speaking English

In a video shared on social media, Messi was sighted alongside club teammate, Marco Verratti repeating a sentence in English during an event in Paris. The PSG duo were wearing a black suits and were being shown tricks by magician, Julius Dean.

Dean, who was the host of the event, demanded someone translate what he said in Spanish to ease Messi's understanding, but the legendary Barcelona forward then surprisingly spoke back in English.

The Argentina captain said: "Very nice of you!" to prompt huge cackle from Verratti.

Report: Messi rejected PSG’s deal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on trouble in paradise at PSG, with Messi reportedly set to part ways with the French giants at the end of the 2022/23 season.

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The 35-year-old forward’s current deal runs out at the end of the season, but so far the Ligue 1 giants have apparently failed to convince him to pen a new deal.

Winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in December has apparently made Messi reconsider his options regarding his future at the Parc des Princes.