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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Thiago Messi part of Herons' academy system</li><li>Mateo &amp; Ciro also qualify for Argentina &amp; Spain</li><li>Famous father currently plying his trade in MLS</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Why not?' - Mauricio Pochettino opens door for Lionel Messi's sons to represent the USMNT with Argentina & Inter Miami superstar now based in Florida

<p>Pochettino is currently calling the shots as head coach of the United States men's national team and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-mauricio-pochettino-channels-lionel-messi-stunning-trivela-goal-inter-miami-training-usmnt-venezuela/blt8229365aa7c85752" target="_blank">has been based in Miami</a> while readying his troops for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-player-ratings-vs-venezuela-first-things-firsts-as-jack-mcglynn-patrick-agyemang-matko-miljevic-all-net-inaugural-national-team-goals-in-3-1-win/blt59fd22dd7e70c016" target="_blank">a 3-1 friendly victory over Venezuela</a>. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-stay-inter-miami-2026-happy-claim-alexis-mac-allister-argentina-international-future-mls-world-cup-trophy-defence/blte1763b48093403e0" target="_blank">Messi calls Florida home at present as he continues to star for MLS side Inter Miami</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>His oldest son, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-son-thiago-long-range-goal-inter-miami-u13s-thumping-10-1-victory-season-opener/bltb76239424bd09f4c" target="_blank">Thiago, is part of the Herons’ academy system</a>, while Mateo and Ciro Messi have shown an interest in the profession that has made their father a global superstar. They qualify for Argentina through their parents Lionel and Antonela, while also being eligible for Spain having been born in Barcelona.</p><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmUpepQKKck/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Citizenship in America could be sought at some stage, if the Messis decide to set up a permanent base there, but Pochettino has said when asked if Thiago and Co could be tempted to represent the USMNT at some stage: “Well, we could talk. The thing is, maybe I’ll be too old by the time the kids are ready for the senior national team. I likely won’t be there, but sure, it would be interesting—why not?”</p><p>He added: “Considering they’re Leo’s children, with Argentine blood running through their veins, I think it would be difficult to convince them to play for the United States.”</p>

WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

<p>Thiago Messi has previously <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-son-thiago-choice-between-argentina-spain-revealing-barcelona-star-hopes-play-alongside-inter-miami-academy/blt2a22ab91fd8875c0#cs1399b23056b7cb48" target="_blank">addressed his dual nationality</a>, telling <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/20240614/1002264793/thiago-messi-me-gustaria-jugar-lamine.html" target="_blank"><em>Mundo Deportivo</em></a> in June 2024 of where his allegiances lie: “I want to play with the Argentine team and I don't think there is any way the Spanish team can convince me.”</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Why not?' - Mauricio Pochettino opens door for Lionel Messi's sons to represent the USMNT with Argentina & Inter Miami superstar now based in Florida | Goal.com

Mauricio Pochettino has left the door open for Lionel Messi’s sons to represent the USMNT, but admits they have the “Argentine blood” of their father.

&apos;Why not?&apos; - Mauricio Pochettino opens door for Lionel Messi&apos;s sons to represent the USMNT with Argentina &amp; Inter Miami superstar now based in Florida

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