Lionel Messi’s personality is characterised by quiet humility, introversion, and intense focus, and his true expression usually only shines through on the pitch. The football does the talking for the Argentine icon, who is rightly considered the greatest footballer of all time, having won eight Ballon d’Or titles and a World Cup.
That’s why whenever he speaks, it warrants close attention. This was particularly true this week during Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Vancouver in the MLS Cup final on Saturday, when the 38-year-old appeared to speak English on camera for the very first time. Of course, he also produced two assists, bringing his overall MLS tally in 2025 to 35 goals and 24 assists in 33 matches – but that’s the least surprising part of his appearance.
The introduction of Ref Cam is the reason the footage went viral. While there has been much debate about its actual purpose and whether it is needed at all, it has already produced some notable moments. It provided Premier League viewers with a perfect angle of Dominik Szoboszlai’s incredible free-kick in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, and now it has delivered an exclusive Messi moment.
Viral Ref Cam Footage Catches Lionel Messi Speaking English
Having lived and worked in the USA for two years now, there’s no doubt Messi’s English-speaking skills have improved. But there’s little to no evidence of it, given his quiet facade, so any opportunity to hear him speak even a lick of the world’s most spoken language is met with anticipation.
The Major League Soccer account released their Ref Cam footage on social media Wednesday night, and supporters were treated to a short but sweet encounter between Messi and the officials, where he said (watch below):
“Foul… Foul… No foul!?”
“The greatest English speaker of all time.”
Messi’s Record Against English Clubs
Lionel Messi during his Barcelona career
He may not know or fully understand the English language, but Messi’s record against Premier League clubs proves he doesn’t need to in order to dominate them. In 36 appearances against English sides, he has scored 27 goals and provided six assists, with Paul Scholes, in particular, finding out about his superhuman abilities the hard way.