Lionel Messi is often the talk of most managers and players in the soccer world, but his children appear to be stealing his limelight.
Messi helped new manager Javier Mascherano make Inter Miami history in their pre-season win over Mexican side Club America.
And while Messi and Inter Miami have been praised by US manager Mauricio Pochettino, he also looked towards the Messi dynasty.
While Drake Callender and Benjamin Cremaschi trained with Pochettino for the USMNT the Argentine coach is looking further into the future for the team.
Pochettino thinks ‘it would be difficult’
Messi’s Inter Miami future remains uncertain, the 36-year-old is yet to sign a new contract with the club which expires at the end of 2025.
While I’m sure Poch would love to be able to call up World Cup winner Messi, who has played over 190 games for Argentina, he is looking towards his sons as potential future additions.
Poch was jokingly asked whether Thiago Messi, who is 13 and Mateo Messi, 10, could represent the US soccer team in the future.
Thiago is already playing for Inter Miami’s youth side alongside the son of Luis Suarez. That seems like a lethal combination for most youth sides to face.
Poch did respond to the joking question and added some valuable insight, telling the media: “We could talk, but I might be too old.
“I probably won’t be there, but it would be good, why not? Considering that they are Leo’s children and thinking about the Argentine blood they have, it would be difficult to convince them. I’m Argentine too, I would like them to play for Argentina more than the United States unless I’m in the United States at that time.”
Tough act to follow
Messi is still performing to the highest level despite getting on in years, his children are going to have a tough act to follow in their careers.
The record-holding Ballon d’Or winner has won just about everything in football and Messi has promised more from his Inter Miami team this season.
Messi was named the MLS MVP for 2024 and will be looking to lead the team to MLS Cup success this year, despite manager Mascherano playing down their MLS chances.
While Messi’s kids are some way off from reaching the Inter Miami first team, if they’ve taken on their father’s knowledge they could be a powerful duo.
Messi was seen supporting Inter Miami youngster Santiago Morales after the Club America win, it shows he is willing to put his skills and experience into the next generation.