USA soccer has seen a huge shift in the last 18 months after the arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami followed by the USMNT’s appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.
The former Chelsea and PSG manager was brought in to prepare the Stars and Stripes as best as possible for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a competition that will take place in the United States alongside Mexico and Canada.
With Inter Miami duo Drake Callender and Benjamin Cremaschi taking part in this month’s USA training camp, there’s a chance that the Herons could have a representative or two in Pochettino’s squad for the World Cup next year.
And the Argentine coach has now shared his admiration for Inter Miami and their accomplishment of signing Messi.
Pochettino praises ‘incredible’ Inter Miami project led by Messi
Speaking to the press, the USA manager shared how impressed he has been with Inter Miami’s project since the summer of 2023 to build the best team in MLS with Messi as the driving factor for their success.
With Steph Curry recently naming Lionel Messi as an inspiration, 2025 is set to be a big year for the Herons with Javier Mascherano now in the hot seat and the Florida franchise taking part in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
And Pochettino is happy with how Inter Miami’s project is unfolding with Messi, with the former Tottenham manager saying: “It’s an incredible project, Miami and the MLS are so lucky to have Leo Messi.
“It’s a great thing, he’s the best player in the world, he’s won eight Ballon d’Ors, it’s a spectacle to watch. Having him here is a privilege for the United States. The effort Miami has made to have him here is something to be congratulated for.”
What are Inter Miami’s realistic goals for 2025?
Having won the Supporters’ Shield last year, the next logical step for Inter Miami will be to aim even higher and to deliver on an even bigger stage with the CONCACAF Champions Cup, US Open Cup and Club World Cup all for grabs.
And heading into the 2025 season with MLS MVP winner Messi fully fit and already looking good in pre-season, Inter Miami can afford to dream big, with every piece of silverware an achievable goal for the Herons.
Indeed, Inter Miami know they can make history in 2025 under Mascherano, and with Messi looking good after a much-needed off-season, the Florida giants will want to go the distance in every competition and to come out on top.