Messi’s Children Could Play for Team USA in the Future

**Lionel Messi**'s children, currently residing in the United States, have the potential to represent the U.S. national soccer team in the future, according to comments made by Mauricio Pochettino, a fellow Argentine and prominent figure in football management. This possibility has sparked curiosity about how Messi’s legacy might influence future generations of soccer players.

Eligibility for Team USA: Although Messi’s children were born in Spain and are of Argentine descent, they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship due to the family’s residency in the United States. This opens the door for them to potentially play for Team USA if they choose to pursue a soccer career at the international level.

Pochettino humorously addressed the topic, saying, "By the time Messi’s children are ready to play for a senior national team, I’ll likely be retired from coaching. But why not? The idea of them playing for Team USA is fascinating. Still, convincing them might be a challenge given their father’s immense connection to Argentina and its football heritage."

Messi’s Eldest Son Already Making Waves: Messi’s eldest son, Thiago Messi, has already begun his football journey, playing for Inter Miami’s under-13 team. Reports suggest that Thiago has inherited his father’s passion and skill for the sport, showing promising performances in youth competitions.

Long-Term Potential: If Messi’s family continues to reside in the United States, the possibility of his children representing Team USA becomes more plausible. However, given Messi’s deep-rooted ties to Argentina, it is expected that his children might aspire to follow in his footsteps and don the iconic blue and white jersey of the Argentine national team. This presents a challenge for U.S. Soccer in attempting to recruit such promising talent.

The Broader Legacy of Messi: Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has already had a transformative impact on soccer in the United States, boosting interest and elevating the profile of Major League Soccer (MLS). If his children were to play for Team USA in the future, it would further solidify the Messi family’s contribution to the growth of soccer in the country.

While the possibility remains speculative, the mere thought of Messi’s lineage potentially representing Team USA is an exciting prospect for soccer enthusiasts worldwide. For now, fans will continue to watch Thiago Messi’s development with great interest, wondering if he will choose to follow his father’s path or carve out a unique legacy of his own.