...
...
Next Story

Maradona’s ex-trainer urges Lionel Messi to 'prioritise' 2026 World Cup, calls MLS ‘a parody of football’

According to the US football calendar, Lionel Messi will have less competitive action by the time the World Cup begins.

Published on: Dec 1, 2025, 15:40:30 IST
Advertisement

Lionel Messi is having a good time with Inter Miami, as they recently beat New York City in the Eastern Conference Final. Miami sealed a 5-1 win, sealing a bid to the MLS Cup 2025 in the process, and Messi also got an assist. The Argentine also overtook Ferenc Puskas for the most career assists of all time, with 405. However, Diego Maradona's trainer, Fernando Signorini, believes that the former Barcelona star should take a break with his family from the MLS and consider a short-term loan away from Inter Miami, as Argentina prepares for next year's FIFA World Cup.

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles against FC Cincinnati. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles against FC Cincinnati. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

According to the US football calendar, Messi will have less competitive action by the time the World Cup begins, in contrast to other players plying their trade in Europe.

Also Read: FIFA accused of bending the rules for Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal star's White House visit

Signorini, who worked with Maradona in the past, told Super Deportivo Radio that the Argentine attacker needs to 'prioritise the World Cup'. He also called MLS 'a parody of football'.

"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," he said.

"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.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT Sports Desk

At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe