Pochettino Balances Support for Messi and Commitment to USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino will patrol the touchline for the U.S. Men’s National Team at this summer’s World Cup, but his heart is not confined to one flag. Not when Lionel Messi is playing. Not when Argentina are defending their crown.

On the eve of the USMNT’s second Group D match against Australia in Seattle, the Argentine coach stepped in front of reporters at Lumen Field and, for a moment, the conversation drifted away from tactics and lineups. It turned toward home. It turned toward Messi and a family crisis playing out under the harshest spotlight in football.

Messi’s family pushes back

The Messi family moved to shut down speculation on Thursday, releasing a detailed statement about the health of Lionel’s father, Jorge. It followed a swirl of rumors after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, when Messi’s emotional reaction to his first goal of the night triggered questions over whether it was linked to his father’s condition.

“In response to the versions, rumors, and speculations that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep distress over the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family situation,” the statement read.

The family confirmed that Jorge Messi “is going through a health situation” and is “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favorably within the condition he is presenting.”

They stressed that only those closest to Jorge hold “real and accurate information” about his status, warning that any report not coming directly from the family or its official channels “should not be considered valid or truthful.”

Then came the line that cut through the noise: “In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of their surroundings should not be the object of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”

The statement closed with a call for privacy and a promise that “any relevant updates will be communicated in a timely manner by the family and the corresponding channels.”

Pochettino’s message for Messi

Pochettino, who coached Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and knows the family well, made sure his own words matched the gravity of the situation.

“I think the most important thing is being genuine and honest,” he said. “I am Argentinian, and I really enjoy the performance of Argentina, but I'm going to give my life for the USA.”

Then he turned squarely toward Messi.

“I think it was amazing to see him. I want to send all my support because it's a difficult situation, family situation. I want to give my support. I know him from Paris and his family. I want to show and send my best wishes for his family.”

There was no attempt to dress it up. Just a coach, about to lead another nation into a World Cup game, pausing to back a former player facing something far bigger than football.

Respect for a champion

Pochettino’s admiration for Messi’s on-field legacy remains undimmed.

“I think it's difficult to describe Messi. Six World Cups, all that he achieved in his career, in different clubs, collectively and individually. He's the best. For sure, yes.”

He extended that respect to the entire Argentina setup. “Yes, Argentina is an amazing team. They won the World Cup four years ago. Now, every single player is a world champion. The coach, Lionel, is for me the best coach today in this World Cup. The coaching staff, the staff that I know very well. The fans, amazing. And then with their cherry [on top] with Messi. It's a difficult combination to play against.”

That is the team he grew up with, the anthem he once sang, the dressing room culture he understands instinctively.

But his job now lies elsewhere.

Argentinian by birth, American by duty

If there is a tension inside Pochettino, he is not hiding it. He is embracing it.

“But now I am Argentinian, but I am defending the USA,” he said. “And I'm going to give everything that I have, we have, to make great memories here.”

That is the line he will walk all tournament: a son of Argentina, a leader of the United States, watching Messi chase another World Cup while he tries to write a new chapter with the USMNT.

The world will keep speculating about Messi’s future, Argentina’s chances, and Jorge Messi’s health. Pochettino, for his part, has made his position clear: unconditional support for his former player, total commitment to his current team.

The next test comes in Seattle. The wider story, for both men, stretches far beyond one group game.