Maradona’s Shadow and a Message That Stings

As the football world debates whether Lionel Messi will play his final World Cup in 2026, a new voice has entered the conversation — and not quietly. Fernando Signorini, the legendary fitness coach of the Argentina national team and a key figure in Diego Maradona’s career, delivered a pointed message to the Argentine captain, even invoking what he believes Diego himself would say.

According to Signorini, Messi must place one goal above all else: the 2026 World Cup, the challenge that could seal the final chapter of his legacy with Argentina. And to achieve it, he insists, Messi must change the way he prepares in the months leading up to the tournament. “I believe Diego would tell him: ‘Make the World Cup your priority,’” he said on Súper Deportivo Radio — a Maradona-style warning that echoes loudly amid the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s participation in 2026.

Messi Between Doubt and One Last Dream

Messi has already hinted that he may not take part in the 2026 World Cup, despite renewing with Inter Miami through 2028. His future with the national team remains a constant topic of discussion, and the captain himself has admitted that everything depends on how he feels physically and mentally.

Signorini, however, believes the formula is clear: total disconnection.

“Three months before the World Cup, he should take a vacation, get away from everything, detox, and return with the hunger that absence will create,” he said. For the historic fitness coach, Messi must slow down, breathe, reset — and save every ounce of competitive fire for one stage: the World Cup.

MLS, Competitive Rhythm, and the Risk for Messi

One of the most controversial moments in Signorini’s remarks came when he addressed Messi’s current level in MLS. He did not hold back: he believes the league does not prepare the Argentine star for a tournament as demanding as the World Cup.

“What he’s doing now isn’t football — it’s a parody of football. I’ve been at Inter Miami’s stadium, and it has nothing to do with real football. It looks like another sport,” he said bluntly.

Messi will continue competing in MLS until the World Cup begins, unlike players arriving from Europe with far more intense rhythms. For Signorini, that difference could work against Argentina… unless Messi manages his minutes wisely and chooses his battles carefully.

A Final Warning With Maradona’s Echo

Signorini closed his message with what he considers the ultimate advice: Messi must put the World Cup above everything else.

“He should prioritize the World Cup and stop thinking about playing every match from minute one,” he warned. For him, the key is controlling passion, conserving energy, and arriving fully charged for the tournament that could define Messi’s farewell to the world stage.

Time is ticking. The 2026 World Cup begins in just over six months, and although Messi has not made a final decision, Signorini is convinced of one thing: if he prepares smartly, the Argentine captain still has plenty to give.