Messi, the longevity of a legend in South American football

Football has always been a sport that arouses passions and endless debates, and in the South American context, the figure of Lionel Messi is a recurring topic. At 37 years old, Messi continues to shine in the elite of world football, and his physical and footballing longevity is a source of admiration and analysis by experts and fans alike. In a recent interview, the former physical trainer of the Argentine national team, Fernando Signorini, offered interesting reflections on the present of the "Pulga" (Messi's nickname) and also on the role of other South American players, such as Christian Cueva from Peru. Signorini emphasized the importance of physical care for athletes today and mentioned Messi's favorable genetics as a determining factor in his longevity in elite football. He also highlighted the importance of the environment and the emotional state of players in their performance on the field, pointing out that in the case of the Argentine national team, the emotional aspect plays a crucial role. Regarding Messi's role for Argentinians, Signorini was cautious in pointing out that while the football star means a lot to the country, especially in football terms, the true evaluation of his legacy will depend on the results obtained by the national team. In this sense, he mentioned the importance of not exaggerating the expectations placed on the player, as criticism tends to arise in moments of defeat. Regarding Argentina's chances in the upcoming Copa America, Signorini was optimistic, considering the albiceleste as one of the favorites, along with teams like Uruguay and Colombia, highlighting their competitiveness. Likewise, when asked about Peru and their performance in the Qualifiers, the former coach mentioned that Peruvian football is going through a period of change and that it is essential to support the development of the players so that they can reach their full potential. In relation to Christian Cueva, a Peruvian player who has faced injuries and periods of inactivity, Signorini acknowledged his importance to the national team and pointed out that if he is in full physical condition, he can contribute greatly to Peru's game in the Qualifiers. However, he emphasized the need for his physical condition to be in line with the demands of the field so that he can unleash his full potential. Regarding the technical direction of Peru under Fossati's leadership, Signorini expressed that continuity and support for projects are essential to achieve long-term results. In a context where results often determine the fate of coaches, the former Argentine coach highlighted the importance of maintaining projects beyond the fluctuations in sports performance. Ultimately, when asked about Paolo Guerrero's continuity in football, Signorini considered that the experienced Peruvian forward can still contribute to the team, as long as his physical limitations are respected and a role appropriate to his current state is provided. In such a demanding sport like football, the balance between experience and the physical condition of players remains a determining factor in the performance of teams.