World Cup 2026
After securing a spot in the Final Four of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League with the USMNT, Pochettino took some time off in Argentina to recharge for the upcoming year, which promises significant challenges. Speaking to the media upon his arrival, he was asked about Lionel Messi.
In comments reported by DSports, the 52-year-old coach first praised Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team: “They’re doing great, as usual, competing and winning. They’re leading the South American World Cup qualifiers and performing perfectly.” Argentina ended 2024 at the top of the standings with 25 points, despite a loss to Paraguay (2-1) and a win over Peru (1-0).
🚨 Rodri: “Zero doubts. For me, Leo Messi is the best player ever”.
“When he received the ball, you were thinking: there is danger coming… When I faced him, I would try to take the ball away from him, but he would get away from you as if you weren't there”, told @El_Hormiguero. pic.twitter.com/4rarkLDStp
Pochettino also discussed his early experiences with the USMNT: “We’re doing well. We won the qualifier against Jamaica and are heading to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League in March. We’re excited about this new challenge and happy with the victory.” The USMNT will face Panama at SoFi Stadium.
The most pressing question was about Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America: “Yes, as I said recently, he’ll do whatever he wants. I think he’s in great shape, physically he’s very good, and I don’t see any problem if he wants to be there.” Currently, Messi leads the scoring charts with six goals and has three assists in the qualifiers.
While the 2025 MLS season for the currently manager-less Inter Miami kicks off the weekend of February 22, Lionel Messi will return to action with Argentina in March for two crucial matches. Scaloni’s team will face a tough away game against Uruguay on March 20, followed by a home match against Brazil on March 25.
LaLiga
MLS
For Pochettino, the USMNT will play a friendly against Venezuela outside the international break with players based in North America. Then, in March, they will face Thomas Christiansen’s Panama at SoFi Stadium on March 20 in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal.
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World Cup Qualifiers
World Cup Qualifiers
Soccer
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