Lionel Messi Expresses Regret Over Not Learning English Earlier in Life

 Football icon Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and current Inter Miami CF star, has candidly shared one of his personal regrets: not prioritizing the study of English during his youth.

In a recent appearance on the Mexican podcast *Miro de Atrás*, Messi opened up about reflecting on his life and career, admitting that missing the opportunity to learn English as a boy has left a lasting impact.

"I regret many things," Messi said. "To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn't do it. I deeply regret it."

The Argentine superstar explained that this gap became particularly evident in situations where he encountered "incredible and spectacular personalities" from around the world. Unable to engage fully in conversations, he felt limited and "half ignorant."

"I always thought: 'What an idiot, how I wasted my time,'" Messi reflected. "When you're young, you don't realise it."

Now 38 and a father, Messi emphasized the lesson he passes on to his own children, stressing the value of education and preparation.

"Today, that's what I tell my children: the importance of having a good education, studying and being prepared," he added.

Despite his unparalleled success on the pitch—including World Cup glory with Argentina in 2022 and continued excellence in Major League Soccer—Messi's admission highlights a relatable human side to one of the greatest athletes of all time. His comments have resonated widely, reminding fans and young people alike that even global superstars recognize the power of learning and seizing opportunities early.

Messi continues to inspire millions through his play and humility, both on and off the field.

Rema Opens Up About His Unique Pre-Show Ritual: “A Little Tequila, a Little Cigarette, Pray, and Team Check-In

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Divine Ikubor, better known as **Rema**, has shared an candid glimpse into his personal preparation routine before hitting the stage, blending spiritual grounding with personal habits to deliver electrifying performances.

In a recent interview with *Dazed* magazine conducted on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week—where the “Calm Down” hitmaker walked the runway for Diesel—Rema revealed his pre-performance ritual that helps him get into the right mindset for live shows.

When asked about how he prepares, Rema explained:  

**“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue.”**

The 25-year-old artist emphasized the mental and physical demands of performing live, noting that breathwork is a key priority to sustain energy throughout his high-energy sets. While he described smoking cigarettes as his biggest vice, Rema highlighted the importance of balancing relaxation, focus, and spiritual connection before stepping in front of thousands of fans.

Rema’s openness about his routine reflects his signature authenticity, which has endeared him to millions worldwide. From sold-out global tours to chart-topping collaborations, the Mavin Records signee continues to push boundaries in Afrobeats while staying true to his personal process.

This revelation has sparked widespread conversation among fans and industry observers, underscoring the diverse ways artists prepare to deliver unforgettable live experiences.

What albums have you got on repeat this year so far?

Rema: “I’ve been listening to a lot of Sundanese music.” pic.twitter.com/UXflrWnDGn

— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) February 25, 2026

What happens to your body when you eat salad every day?

 Salad is a very versatile dish. It can be eaten as a side or as a main, and there are enough ingredient options to make everyone happy. Most salads consist of a base of vegetables, but sometimes fruits, nuts, seeds, croutons, and protein sources are added to the mix.

Indeed, a salad can be a great balanced meal, but would it be one you should consume every day? And if so, what will happen to your body if you do? Click through the following gallery to find out.

Stoppage-Time Drama Seals Atalanta's Thrilling Comeback: Late Penalty Sends La Dea into UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Over Borussia Dortmund

 In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent UEFA Champions League history, Atalanta BC stunned Borussia Dortmund with a last-gasp penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, securing a 4-1 victory on the night and a 4-3 aggregate triumph in their Knockout Round Play-offs tie at the Gewiss Stadium on February 25, 2026.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Dortmund, Atalanta mounted a remarkable comeback. Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring in the 5th minute, Davide Zappacosta doubled the lead just before halftime (45'), and Mario Pašalić made it 3-0 on the night in the 57th minute, leveling the aggregate at 3-2 in Atalanta's favor. Dortmund fought back through Karim Adeyemi's 75th-minute strike, setting up a tense finale as extra time appeared imminent.

The decisive moment arrived deep into added time. After Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel's error sparked one final Atalanta attack beyond the initial three minutes of stoppage time, substitute Nikola Krstović was caught on the head by Ramy Bensebaini's high boot in the penalty area—drawing blood and prompting a lengthy VAR review. The initial corner decision was overturned to a penalty, Bensebaini received a second yellow card and was sent off, and an unused Dortmund substitute, Nico Schlotterbeck, was also shown red for dissent from the bench.

Lazar Samardžić stepped up and curled an unstoppable penalty into the top corner with the last kick of the game—timed at 7 minutes and 53 seconds into stoppage time, marking the second-latest regulation-time goal in Champions League history and the latest in the knockout stage. The strike ignited wild celebrations in Bergamo, ensuring Atalanta's progression and keeping Italian representation alive in the competition's latter stages.

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino hailed it as an "unforgettable night" and a moment that "will go down in history," praising his team's DNA of resilience and never-say-die spirit. "This comeback is special—our players showed heart, quality, and belief until the very end," Palladino said post-match.

The victory propels Atalanta into the Round of 16, where they await the draw against Europe's elite. Dortmund's European campaign ends in heartbreak despite a strong showing in the tie.

Vinícius Júnior's Decisive Strike Sends Real Madrid into UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with 3-1 Aggregate Triumph over Benfica

 Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior delivered once again, scoring the clinching goal in the 80th minute to secure Real Madrid's place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of their Knockout Round Play-offs tie at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 25, 2026.

The La Liga giants advanced 3-1 on aggregate, overcoming an early scare in the return fixture. Benfica took the lead on the night through Rafa Silva in the 14th minute, but Aurélien Tchouaméni equalized for Real Madrid in the 16th minute with a well-taken strike. Tension built as the match remained delicately poised until Vinícius Júnior, who had netted the decisive goal in the first leg in Lisbon, broke free, timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap, and slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

The goal sparked wild celebrations at the Bernabéu, with Vinícius performing his signature dance at the corner flag—echoing his celebration from the first leg amid reports of alleged racial abuse during the away fixture. The Brazilian forward's composure and class proved the difference once more, sealing progression for the 15-time European champions.

“Vinícius showed why he's one of the best in the world,” said Real Madrid coach after the match. “He rises to the big moments, handles pressure, and delivers when it matters most. This win is for him, for the team, and for our fans who supported us throughout.”

The victory caps a resilient performance from Real Madrid, who navigated a challenging tie against a determined Benfica side. With the aggregate secured, Los Blancos now await the Round of 16 draw, where potential opponents include heavyweights like Manchester City or Sporting CP.

Real Madrid's campaign continues to highlight their enduring pedigree in Europe's premier club competition, bolstered by Vinícius Júnior's growing influence as a key attacking force alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé.