USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino: ‘In the US, Christian Pulisic should be our Messi’

June 04, 2025

**© Julio Aguilar**Christian Pulisic won’t be part of the U.S. squad for this summer’s Gold Cup, but that doesn’t mean he's any less central to the team’s plans.

The bitter taste of the Concacaf Nations League—where the U.S. finished in fourth place—is now behind Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of the United States Men’s National Team. His focus has shifted to the upcoming Gold Cup, hosted on home soil, and the major long-term goal: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the U.S. will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.

Despite not having team captain and star player Christian Pulisic for this summer’s tournament, Pochettino fully recognizes the No. 10’s importance and the key role he’ll play at the World Cup.

“Christian has shown great quality this past year, both in Europe and with the national team. He’s a talented player who can help us win. I don’t mean to disrespect Messi or Pulisic, but I believe Christian should be our Messi in this country,” said the coach during a relaxed conversation with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard on their podcast Unfiltered Soccer.

Addressing Pulisic’s absence from the Gold Cup, he explained: “We’re in constant communication with him. He’s fully committed, wants to help, and is focused on being in top shape for the World Cup. Every player is in a different situation, and this was a collective decision made in the best interest of both the player and the team long-term. You can’t force someone to come. You have to think beyond just the short term.”

Christopher Thompson

Pulisic has worn the U.S. jersey 78 times, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists. He was the team’s standout player at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After successful stints at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, he’s now one of the top figures at AC Milan. In the recently concluded season, he played 50 matches for the Rossoneri, recording 17 goals and 12 assists.