“What he’s doing now isn’t football, it’s a parody” - Ex-Argentina fitness coach who helped Diego Maradona warns Lionel Messi ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Argentina fitness coach Fernando Signorini has urged Lionel Messi to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by leaving Inter Miami. He believes the forward needs to take a break and then make a loan move to get proper competitive playing time.

Argentina have qualified for the Mundial next year, set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, as they look to defend their title. Lionel Messi is expected to feature in the tournament, but he hasn't confirmed it yet. He also recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, which will expire in 2028.

However, Fernando Signorini, who previously trained the Argentina team that also had Diego Maradona, believes Messi needs to take a break from the Herons. He told Super Deportivo Radio:

"Leo needs to prioritise the World Cup. He's caught up in this infernal record-breaking machine that I don't know the point of, because what he's doing now (Inter Miami) isn't football, it's a parody of football."

"With three months to go before the WC, he should take at least one month with his family to detox and come back with the hunger that the absence will surely cause him, but prioritise the World Cup and not think about playing every match from minute one," he added.

Lionel Messi has been linked with a number of clubs for a potential loan move during the MLS (Major League Soccer) off-season.

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Lionel Messi opens up on his potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

While many expect him to feature in what would be his last Mundial, Lionel Messi hasn't confirmed it yet. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke about his fitness and form in an interview with SPORT earlier this month.

Messi said:

"I don't want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel physically fit, to be sure I can help and contribute to the team. Our season is different from the European one. We'll have a pre-season in between, with few matches leading up to the WC, and we'll see how things go day by day to see if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I'd like to be and be able to participate.

"But obviously, I'm aware that it's a World Cup, and it's special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I'm excited, but I'm taking it one day at a time," he added.

Lionel Messi has scored 43 goals and provided 24 assists in 48 games across competitions this season for Inter Miami.