Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), is already making waves with his bold vision for American soccer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview on The Unfiltered Soccer podcast with USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, Pochettino shared his high hopes for the team and made a striking comparison that has sparked conversation among fans and pundits alike.
Pulisic: The American Messi?
Pochettino drew attention when he likened USMNT star Christian Pulisic to Argentina’s soccer icon, Lionel Messi. While careful to avoid a direct comparison of their playing abilities, Pochettino emphasized Pulisic’s importance to American soccer, suggesting he should be seen as the country’s equivalent to Messi in terms of his status and influence. “People compare Messi with Christian Pulisic. I don’t want to be disrespectful to Messi. Or with Pulisic with Messi. But I think in this country, Pulisic should be our Messi. He’s an iconic player. If you ask one soccer player from this country, it’s Pulisic,” Pochettino said.
This statement underscores Pulisic’s role as the face of the USMNT, even as the team prepares for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup without him. Pulisic has withdrawn from the tournament, but Pochettino was quick to affirm that the star forward remains a cornerstone of his plans for the 2026 World Cup. When Donovan pressed Pochettino on whether he could manage the team without a player of Pulisic’s caliber, the coach expressed confidence in his squad’s depth while acknowledging Pulisic’s unique value.
Pochettino’s Plans for the USMNT
Pochettino’s immediate focus is on preparing the USMNT for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14, 2025. The team is placed in Group D and will face Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, Saudi Arabia on June 19, and Haiti on June 22. To build momentum, the USMNT will play two friendly matches in the coming days: one against Turkiye on Saturday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium and another against Switzerland on Tuesday at Geodis Park.
Pochettino’s approach is centered on building a cohesive unit capable of competing on the global stage. His experience coaching top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, combined with his passion for the game, makes him a compelling figure to lead the USMNT into a home World Cup in 2026.
Maradona vs. Messi: A Personal Reflection
The conversation also turned to Pochettino’s Argentine roots, with Donovan and Howard asking him to weigh in on the age-old debate: who is the greatest Argentinian player of all time, Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona? Pochettino’s response was heartfelt and rooted in nostalgia. “Maradona was my hero. It’s difficult for Messi to fight with my hero. But I think both are amazing. But Maradona is because emotional. Because when I was a kid, I grew [up] watching Maradona. And that emotion that you build inside yourself, that is for the rest of your life,” he said.
While Messi’s technical brilliance and record-breaking career have cemented his place in soccer history, Pochettino’s choice of Maradona reflects the deep emotional connection many Argentinians feel toward the 1986 World Cup hero.
A New Era for American Soccer
Pochettino’s comments signal the beginning of an exciting chapter for the USMNT. By elevating Pulisic to the status of a national icon and instilling a sense of ambition in the team, he is laying the groundwork for a memorable performance at the 2026 World Cup. As the Gold Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Pochettino and his squad to see if they can translate his vision into success on the pitch.
With Pulisic as the team’s talisman and a new generation of talent emerging, American soccer fans have reason to be optimistic. Pochettino’s belief in his players and his bold comparisons to global legends like Messi suggest that he sees untapped potential in the USMNT—a potential he is determined to unlock.