Although Lionel Messi has not confirmed whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup, expectations of his involvement remain high as the tournament approaches in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Argentina’s celebrated fitness coach Fernando Signorini believes Messi’s presence will be vital in the nation’s attempt to retain the title.
Signorini argues that Messi should take significant time away from Major League Soccer before the World Cup begins. He insists that the football being played at Inter Miami is not authentic football and describes it as a parody of the sport.
Speaking to Super Deportivo Radio, Signorini, a long-time associate of Diego Maradona, said Messi must make the World Cup his foremost priority. He noted that Maradona, had he been alive, would have advised Messi to do exactly that.
Messi has already said that his eventual decision will depend on how he feels both physically and mentally. Signorini believes that in order to feel at his peak during the World Cup, Messi should isolate himself in advance. Taking a long holiday three months prior to the tournament would allow him to recover mentally and physically, while also reigniting his competitive hunger.
Despite signing a contract extension with Inter Miami that runs until 2028, Signorini is adamant that MLS cannot prepare Messi for a competition as intense as the World Cup. He said he did not witness real football at the club’s stadium, suggesting the environment resembled an entirely different sport.
He warns that staying in MLS until the tournament will create a significant gap between Messi and players arriving from Europe, ultimately putting Argentina at a disadvantage. Signorini advises Messi to manage his emotions, preserve his strength and approach the World Cup with renewed energy.
AJ