Pochettino drops a huge hint on Messi’s 2026 World Cup chances

Mauricio Pochettino returned to Argentina for a short holiday and shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi.

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 year ahead, 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 are doing great, as usual, competing and winning. They are leading the South American World Cup qualifiers and performing perfectly.” Argentina finished 2024 at the top of the standings with 25 points, despite a loss to Paraguay (2-1) and a win over Peru (1-0).

Messi “will do what he wants”

Pochettino also discussed his early experiences with the USMNT: “We are doing well. We won the qualifying match against Jamaica and will go to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League in March. We are excited about this new challenge and happy with the victory.” The USMNT will take on Panama at SoFi Stadium.

The most pressing question was about Messi's possible participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America: “Yes, as I said recently, he will do what he wants. I think he is in top form, physically he is very good and I don't see any problem if he wants to be there.” Messi currently leads the rankings with six goals and has three assists in the qualifiers.

Messi and Pochettino will compete again in March

While the 2025 MLS season for currently managerless Inter Miami kicks off on the weekend of February 22, Lionel Messi will return to action with Argentina for two crucial matches in March. Scaloni's team awaits a difficult away match against Uruguay on March 20, followed by a home match against Brazil on March 25.

For Pochettino, the USMNT will play a friendly against Venezuela outside the international break with players from North America. They next face Thomas Christiansen's Panama at SoFi Stadium on March 20 in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final.