USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently raised the exciting possibility that Lionel Messi’s sons one day represented the US national team. Thiago, Mateo and Ciro Messi are known to be passionate about soccer, and their qualification for the USMNT is a topic of growing interest.
Citizenship would not be an obstacle for Messi’s sons. The eldest, Thiago, already plays for Inter Miami’s youth team, where his father also plays. They are eligible to represent Argentina, and also Spain, given that they were born in Barcelona. However, should the Messi family choose to remain in the United States long-term, they could apply for American citizenship, opening the door to a potential future with the USMNT.
Pochettino offered a humorous but intriguing response to this hypothetical scenario: “Yes, we can discuss that. The thing is, Maybe I’ll be too old when the boys are ready for the national team“ he joked. “I probably won’t be here anymore, but of course it would be interesting – why not?”
However, Pochettino acknowledged the significant challenge of persuading Messi’s sons to choose the USMNT over Argentina. “Given that they are children of Leo and have Argentine blood running through their veins, I still think it would be hard to convince them to play for the US“ he stated. This realistic assessment acknowledges the strong ties to their Argentine heritage and their likely desire to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Thiago Messi’s clear preference
Despite holding dual citizenship (Argentina and Spain), Thiago Messi made it clear last June that he aspires to play exclusively for Argentina. This decision, heavily influenced by his father’s passionate representation of the Albiceleste, greatly reduces the likelihood of a future with the USMNT. The strong family connection to Argentina’s national team creates a deep emotional bond for the Messi family.
The possibility of Messi’s sons playing for the USMNT is creating a lot of discussion. It underscores the growing influence of Hispanic players in American football and highlights the potential for future talent development within the nation. The USMNT’s appeal to young, talented Latin American players is a major factor in the league’s growth.
While the chances of Messi’s sons representing the USMNT seem slim, they have not been completely dismissed. The family’s extended stay in the United States, along with the boys’ potential future development in the sport, may influence their decision. Ultimately, the choice will lie with the Messi family themselves, balancing national pride, family heritage and individual ambitions. The future of their football careers is yet to be determined.
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