Lionel Messi spoke about everything — from deeply personal reflections to key moments in his football career. In an interview with Nahuel Guzmán, his former Argentina national teammate, Messi discussed one of his greatest regrets, shared career anecdotes, talked about Diego Maradona, and revealed which match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup made him feel fear.
“Sometimes I’m afraid of sharing too much about myself. Later I look back and think, ‘Why the hell did I say that?’ But it’s good too. There comes a point where you let yourself open up more,” Messi said on the podcast Miro de Atrás, hosted by Guzmán, current goalkeeper of Tigres UANL.
Messi admitted he regrets not learning English when he was younger and hopes his children take advantage of the opportunities they have.
“I regret many things, and I tell my kids this all the time. Education matters. Being prepared matters. I regret not learning English as a kid. I had the time and didn’t do it. I’ve been in situations with incredible personalities and felt ignorant, thinking, ‘How stupid, I wasted my time.’”
He added that while football teaches values, builds strong bonds, and allows you to see the world, education remains crucial.
“I never lacked anything growing up, but my kids have different opportunities. I tell them to take advantage of them because when you’re young, you don’t realize it.”
Memories of Maradona
Messi also spoke warmly about Diego Maradona, whom he admired growing up and later played under when Maradona became Argentina’s head coach.
“I first met him before he became national team coach, when I went on his TV show La Noche del Diez. It was after we won the U-20 World Cup. Then he showed up unexpectedly in our dressing room — I was there with my dad, my uncle, my cousins. It was crazy. Diego came in and greeted everyone.”
He recalled that when Maradona coached Argentina, he loved joining small training games — and hated losing.
“I’m Not a Saint”
Though Messi appears calm, he admitted that emotions run high on the pitch.
“I’m not a saint. In a match you get heated and react however you can. What happens on the field stays on the field. It’s hard to control yourself — your heart rate is through the roof. Later, when you watch it calmly, you regret some things.”
He also reflected on how today’s football culture is different, with dressing-room moments and private details more exposed due to social media.
“I grew up in another generation. Now everything is consumed and exposed more.”
Messi shared lighter anecdotes too — like opponents asking him not to score more goals or requesting his shirt during matches. He said he always tried to be respectful.
He remembered advice from his former coach Pep Guardiola:
“The best way to respect your opponent is to play seriously and score if you have to.”
Messi said he always tried to honor that principle.
The World Cup Match That Brought Fear
Although Messi ultimately lifted the trophy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s path was anything but easy. After losing their opening match to Saudi Arabia national football team, they faced Mexico national football team in a must-win game. A loss would have meant elimination.
Argentina won 2–0, with Messi scoring the crucial opener.
“If we didn’t win, we were practically out. We went into that match afraid, because subconsciously you think about the whole process we had before. There was fear of losing and not advancing.”
He described the relief after his goal as a complete release of pressure.
“We freed ourselves. It was liberation from everywhere. We were back to depending on ourselves.”
He also recalled a tense moment when Mexico had a free kick saved by Emiliano Martínez.
“When I saw from behind how Dibu caught that free kick like it was nothing, I thought, ‘If that goes in, we’re done. How do you come back from that?’ The mind plays a huge role.”
Messi emphasized that Argentina’s mental strength defined their campaign, especially in dramatic matches against the Netherlands and France.
“With Mexico, it was decisive for us. It was the match where we suffered the most.”
In the end, that fear became part of the journey that led Messi to the ultimate glory — finally lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina.
