Lionel Messi ‘understands a lot of English’ but isn’t at Sergio Busquets’ level as USMNT star Julian Gressel reveals how ex-Barcelona stars are faring on the language front at Inter Miami

Argentina international Messi moved to the United States in 2023 after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. With a large Spanish-speaking community in Florida, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was never going to face any problems adjusting to life in another country.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

Messi has been working on his English, along with fellow ex-Barcelona star Jordi Alba, but rarely steps outside of his comfort zone – especially in public. The situation is a little different for Luis Suarez, who has previously spent three-and-a-half years at Liverpool, while World Cup winner Busquets is another that has mastered the art of being bilingual.

United States international Gressel has told Offside With Taylor Twellman of communication in the Inter Miami dressing room: “Yeah, it’s English. With Busi, English. With Luis Suarez. And you know, the other two are kind of a mix, honestly. You try and Jordi is trying to learn, trying to say some words. So you try and give him something and you try and make it easy for him in a sense. While I’m also trying to learn a little bit of Spanish.

“You know, we’re trying to communicate with both of them a little bit. And with Leo, it’s mostly Spanish but I think he understands a lot of English as well. I understand a lot of Spanish, so we can kind of just get along with that. But, yeah, with Busi, I think he would do great on an interview on the field in English. Maybe I can get him on my podcast!”

Messi remains unavailable to Inter Miami at present, as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury picked up in the 2024 Copa America final. The Herons are hoping that he will be back to lead a bid for MLS Cup glory.