In a podcast released on Thursday, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the US men's national soccer team, shared his thoughts on the emotional relationship Americans have with soccer. He noted that unlike countries such as Argentina, where children develop a connection to soccer from a very young age, American kids often gravitate towards sports like basketball and American football. Pochettino stressed the importance of creating accessible spaces for children to play soccer, rather than relying solely on organized teams for development. He reflected on a dinner conversation where wealthy guests questioned why the U.S. has not produced a player like Lionel Messi, highlighting the need for a stronger grassroots approach to soccer. Despite acknowledging media expectations for the team to reach at least the quarter-finals in the upcoming co-hosted World Cup, Pochettino maintained an optimistic outlook, reminding listeners of past underdog successes in the sport. His comments reflect a broader conversation about the future of soccer in the United States and the cultural factors influencing its growth.