Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel has challenged the common belief that club captain Lionel Messi struggles with English. Despite speculation about a language barrier, Gressel insists that Messi has a solid command of the language.
Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Since his arrival, the 36-year-old has made a significant impact, helping the team secure their first-ever trophy, the League’s Cup, shortly after joining.
Although there have been concerns about Messi’s ability to communicate in English, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino appointed him as captain upon arrival. Defender DeAndre Yedlin has reportedly stepped in to deliver pre-match speeches due to Messi’s perceived language barrier.
However, Gressel, who joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 season, revealed on the PLAYER/MANAGER Podcast that Messi does indeed speak English. He recounted an instance during the preseason tour when Messi gave him tactical instructions in English for the first time.
“I think it was the first game against Al Hilal, and he came over to me and said something in English. That was the first time he spoke to me in English,” Gressel shared. “Now, we change. You stay and Jordi runs. Jordi goes more in behind.’ I was like okay, sounds good. He goes, ‘English, pretty good no?’ I was like ‘yes, very, very good, I understood everything’.”
Despite any language concerns, Gressel has made a positive start to the season with Inter Miami, contributing two assists in three appearances.
