'Lionel Messi might not 100% fit at 2014 World Cup'
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Former Argentina fitness coach Fernando Signorini believes Lionel Messi is playing too many games and may not arrive at the 2014 World Cup Finals in peak condition.
Messi has been struggling with muscle injuries during the last couple of months, and Signorini feels the Barcelona forward needs a prolonged holiday in order to leave his fitness issues behind him.
"Before, in the 60s and 70s, players would play 80-90 matches a year, but Messi plays over 100 games a year with Barcelona and Argentina," Signorini told Argentine news agency Telam.
"That brings a risk with it that he will not be in peak condition at the 2014 World Cup."
Signorini also believes Messi wasn't ever given the proper opportunity to recover
He added: "Messi had gone three years injury-free, but two and a half months ago he strained a muscle just before the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich in Germany, and he was put back on the bench for the return leg. Then he got injured again and now he is being reduced to second-half cameos.
"What he needs is a lengthy holiday with his wife and son. With the demands of the modern game, it's impossible to play more than 100 games and still always be 100%."
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| Lionel Messi made 50 official appearances for Barcelona in all competitions last season Photo: Getty Images |
Messi has been struggling with muscle injuries during the last couple of months, and Signorini feels the Barcelona forward needs a prolonged holiday in order to leave his fitness issues behind him.
"Before, in the 60s and 70s, players would play 80-90 matches a year, but Messi plays over 100 games a year with Barcelona and Argentina," Signorini told Argentine news agency Telam.
"That brings a risk with it that he will not be in peak condition at the 2014 World Cup."
Signorini also believes Messi wasn't ever given the proper opportunity to recover
He added: "Messi had gone three years injury-free, but two and a half months ago he strained a muscle just before the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich in Germany, and he was put back on the bench for the return leg. Then he got injured again and now he is being reduced to second-half cameos.
"What he needs is a lengthy holiday with his wife and son. With the demands of the modern game, it's impossible to play more than 100 games and still always be 100%."
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