Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats, currently plays for MLS side Inter Miami. Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the USMNT, has encouraged Christian Pulisic to emulate Messi’s leadership and elevate the national team’s performance. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, Pochettino sees Pulisic as a key figure to inspire the home crowd and drive the team forward.
Pulisic’s Form and Impact with AC Milan and USMNT
Christian Pulisic, who previously played for Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, now stars for Serie A giants AC Milan. During the 2024-25 season, he contributed 17 goals and 12 assists across 50 appearances in various competitions. On the international stage, Pulisic has been a crucial player for the USMNT, scoring 32 goals and assisting 20 times in 78 caps. His performances helped the United States reach the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino’s Praise and Expectations for Pulisic
Speaking on the Unified Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard podcast, Pochettino highlighted Pulisic’s abilities:
“Christian in the last year has shown great quality. He’s performing in Europe, and also is performing here in the national team. He’s a very talented player that can help us win.” —Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach
The coach also emphasized Pulisic’s iconic status within American soccer:
“People compare Messi with Christian Pulisic. I don’t want to be disrespectful with Messi or Pulisic but I think in this country, Pulisic should be our Messi. Because he’s iconic player and if you ask a kid on the street to name one soccer player in this country, it’s Pulisic.” —Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach
Looking Ahead: Pulisic’s Role in the Build-Up to the 2026 World Cup
As the US prepares to host the World Cup in 2026, Christian Pulisic’s leadership and form will be critical to the team’s ambitions. With his strong club performances and national team record, he is positioned to carry the hopes of the USMNT. Pochettino’s call for Pulisic to step into a Messi-like role reflects the confidence placed on him to guide the team during this pivotal period in American soccer history.