A lighthearted moment between Lionel Messi and American footballer Kellyn Acosta has emerged, highlighting the language barrier navigated by international teammates.
Gressel’s Podcast Revelation:
In his “Player Manager” podcast, Acosta, who goes by the nickname “Gressel,” shared a funny anecdote about his interaction with Messi on the pitch.
Initial Language Hurdle:
Gressel revealed a running joke between him and Messi, stemming from their initial language barrier. When Gressel inquired if Messi spoke any English, the response was a playful dismissal, suggesting Gressel’s Spanish was likely better.
Unexpected English Instruction:
However, during a match in Saudi Arabia (potentially the first game against Al Hilal), Messi surprised Gressel by speaking English. Covering his mouth to avoid cameras, Messi delivered tactical instructions in English, asking Gressel to stay back while Jordi Alba made a run forward.
Gressel’s Amusing Response:
Gressel, initially surprised by Messi’s sudden English, responded with a simple “yes, okay,” confirming his understanding. The humor came after the play when Messi, with a playful tone, asked, “English, pretty good, no?” to which Gressel jokingly replied, “Yes, very very good! I understood everything!”
Highlighting Camaraderie:
This lighthearted exchange showcases the camaraderie and mutual respect that can blossom between teammates despite language barriers. It also offers a glimpse into the communication techniques employed by professional athletes on the field.
