Mauricio Pochettino revealed that he will decide on his USMNT contract extension next week, but the Argentine coach seemed far more animated discussing Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and his native Argentina than his own uncertain future.
U.S. Soccer has offered the 54-year-old a deal through the 2030 World Cup, though his current contract expires after this tournament.
Despite the USMNT’s round-of-16 exit to Belgium, American officials remain hopeful Pochettino will stay—even as European clubs circle.
“I’m evaluating it,” Pochettino told Cadena Cope when asked about the offer. “Next week we will make a decision.”
The former Tottenham and PSG manager brushed past questions about the USMNT’s disappointing knockout performance, instead praising the final matchup as “the best game you can watch nowadays” and “one of the most important in history.”
On containing Lionel Messi, 39, who assisted both Argentina goals in their semifinal win over England: “The further away Messi is from your goal, the better. Man-marking is impossible these days. Spain must press and impose their own game.”
Pochettino called Argentina “formidable” with Messi’s “aura and charisma” but credited Spain as “very well-organised.”
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
