FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — With the presence of Lionel Messi now in Major League Soccer and Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino assuming the leadership of the U.S. men’s national team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, it’s evident that Argentine influence is prominent in American soccer.

Can the passionate Argentine approach Pochettino embodies lead U.S. Soccer to emulate Argentina’s successful methods in the sport? While language translation might be simple, the goals are clear.

Players like Messi showcase deep pride and fervor, relying on their emotions regardless of their physical stature during intense competition.

Argentina has secured victories in 65 out of their last 70 matches, clinching two Copa Americas and winning the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

Pochettino aims to cultivate similar drive among USMNT players, even without stars like Messi and while the team still strives to be among the top contenders for the World Cup.

“The way Argentine players compete: When they lose a ball, it hurts; when they lose a game, they might isolate themselves for a week,” Pochettino shared on Friday, ahead of the USMNT’s match against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Saturday. “This is about defending your territory and your identity. It’s about how seriously you take your country’s colors and culture. We want to channel that mentality.

“When you represent the national team, it’s critical to feel it emotionally.”

Despite the challenge ahead in leading U.S. Soccer, Pochettino’s Argentine characteristics may significantly influence the program’s future trajectory.

So far, the new USMNT coach has a record of 3 wins and 1 loss: the team triumphed over Panama 2-0 on October 12, lost 2-0 to Mexico on October 15, and defeated Jamaica 5-2 on aggregate in their Concacaf Nations League matches in November.

While preparing for the World Cup, USMNT will also engage in the Concacaf Nations League finals against Canada, Mexico, and Panama in March, along with competing in the Concacaf Gold Cup later in the summer.

This January, Pochettino is giving MLS players a chance to prove themselves during training camps. USMNT star Christian Pulisic is missing from this week’s matchup, and the upcoming game against Costa Rica on Wednesday will not take place during the FIFA international window.

“The idea is clear: Show us what you can do,” Pochettino stated. “Playing in MLS can match the performance of European players.”

Benjamin Cremaschi, a young star from Inter Miami with Argentinian roots, had no issues adjusting to Pochettino’s coaching style while training with USMNT over the past two weeks.

Having played alongside Messi for the last 18 months and under Argentinian coaches Tata Martino and Javier Mascherano, Cremaschi embodies that Argentine pride.

“Argentinians play with immense passion, and that’s something they certainly bring to any team,” Cremaschi expressed this week.

“The emotional intensity and the way they experience the game is something all players could greatly benefit from.”

Drake Callender, a goalie for Inter Miami who won’t participate with USMNT this weekend due to a minor muscle issue, admires the Argentinian mentality he has witnessed while playing alongside Messi and under his coaches.

“It really draws out the best in players. It’s about hard work paired with passion and skill,” Callender explained. “This style of soccer is not just thrilling; it’s also strategically sharp.”

Yannick Bright, a young player from Inter Miami who was born in Italy and played college soccer at the University of New Hampshire, shared his thoughts on the Argentine passion he has witnessed.

“It’s a different style of futbol,” Bright noted. “There’s an emphasis on enjoying the game rather than focusing solely on physical aspects. I try to embrace this approach, finding joy in learning to play calmly rather than just running around.”

Indiana Vassilev, 23, who plays for St. Louis City and has experience in the U.S. youth soccer system, has encountered various Argentinian coaches throughout his career.

“I’ve worked with Argentine coaches before, and I find them intense, straightforward, and highly focused. Their guidance can undoubtedly be beneficial to us,” Vassilev commented. “That’s part of the reason they are here.”

Pochettino described himself as a tough and focused coach on Friday.

He aspires for his players to be dynamic, possessing both power and precision while maintaining ball control and relentlessly striving to regain possession. He emphasizes the importance of balance, aiming to score while minimizing goals against.

Above all, Pochettino wants American players to discover pride and purpose in their play.

“I can’t predict the exact percentage of effort increase, but whether it’s 1, 5, or 10 percent more, that added energy will make a difference on the field,” Pochettino asserted.

“If you can genuinely tap into that feeling… we could develop a really competitive team. That’s one of our main goals.”