Fernando Signorini: “If Messi had been Brazilian and Neymar Argentine, we would say Neymar is better”

Fernando Signorini was Diego Maradona’s personal trainer during three World Cups, coached Lionel Messi in South Africa 2010, and worked with César Menotti and Carlos Bilardo. In this exclusive interview with Flashscore, he speaks about Messi, Maradone and even about Lamine Yamal, among many other topics.

Signorini speaks very fondly about Maradona, and rejects the widespread idea that he didn’t succeed at Barça, when he started working with Diego “the experience was fantastic, the beginning of a long journey we’ve traveled together. After the injury suffered by Andoni Goikoetxea against Athletic Bilbao (on September 24, 1983), I began working with him. It’s said he didn’t succeed, but Barcelona won three of four championships under him. The one they didn’t win was because Diego didn’t play in 12 matches and Schuster in eight. He had bad luck with his health: hepatitis and a fracture.”

When asked about his memories working with Leo Messi, Signorini says “how can we forget that other genius… who was born to be enjoyed, not explained. If Messi had been Brazilian and Neymar Argentine, we’d say Neymar is better. That’s why we have to be careful with comparisons”, although, “he just needed time; his relationship with Diego was wonderful. “You can’t believe how this dwarf plays,” Diego would say. He was born for this, and it’s inexplicable that he has two brothers who were raised, cared for, and fed the same way, and the other two can’t do with four hands what he does with his left foot. He’s an artist who plays football.”

Signorini refuses to compare Lamine Yamal with Messi, “We shouldn’t push him too hard. He has the world’s expectations on him. I don’t know how far he’ll go. I love watching him play. It’s a matter of taste. It’s perverse to compare them. If you don’t give him anything, why would he demand anything in return? He’s an extraordinary player. I hope he’s happy doing what he does. I hope the system doesn’t tear him apart like it usually does.”

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Lamine Yamal will reportedly become the new Barcelona Number 10.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently confirmed that Lamine Yamal’s new contract is already agreed in principle and will be formally signed on the youngster’s 18th birthday.

According to a report, the new contract will come with the No. 10 jersey, made famous by the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho and currently occupied by Ansu Fati.

Yamal to get No 10

The claim was made by Memorabilia1899, an insider on Barcelona’s kit affairs, who reported that when Yamal puts pen to paper on June 13th, 2025, his 18th birthday, he will also be handed a new squad number.

The number 10 is significant in Barcelona, and not just for its legacy purposes, but also for branding and marketing. After Messi left the club, Ansu Fati inherited the mantle, as he was a fast-rising star that came through the ranks at La Masia.

However, unending injuries have blighted the once promising career, and the Blaugrana are now prepared to move on. Fati is expected to leave the club this summer, despite Laporta’s comments about wanting him to continue. Regardless of the colours the 21-year-old dons next summer, however, he will relinquish the 10 to Yamal, Barca Universal relays.

Yamal-Messi comparison

Left-footedness, dribbling ability, La Masia graduates, young sensations, Barcelona stars—there are many parallels to be drawn between Messi and young Yamal, and the number 10 jersey will join the list.

The comparisons are unending, but the teenager has played it down, stating clearly that he should not be likened to Messi, who, in his opinion, is the best player of all time.

According to Fabrizio on X, Lamine Yamal said, “I’d never compare me with Messi… Leo is the best player ever.”

Lamine Yamal