Pochettino coached Messi at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023. On Thursday, he addressed Messi's difficult family situation and offered his support.
I want to send him all my support because he's going through a difficult family situation.
Pochettino said he knows Messi and his family from their time together in Paris and wanted to convey his best wishes.
I know him and his family from our time in Paris. I want to convey my best wishes to his family.
According to a family statement, Messi's father Jorge is going through a health-related situation and is currently under medical care. Jorge missed Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, in which Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win and equalled Miroslav Klose's record of most goals at World Cups (16).
Pochettino also praised Messi's career achievements across six World Cups.
It's difficult to describe Messi. Six World Cups, all that he achieved in his career. In different clubs. In a collective and individual way. He's the best.
The coach, who played for Argentina at the 2002 World Cup, praised the national team but stressed that there are no divided loyalties.
I'm Argentine. But I'm defending the US. I'm going to give everything I have to create good memories here.
After a 4-1 win against Paraguay in the tournament opener, co-hosts United States face Australia on Friday. It is unclear whether Christian Pulisic will be available for the clash. He trained individually after taking a knock in the opening match, and Pochettino said a decision on his availability will be made a few hours before the game.
He's doing much better than last Friday. We will see. But if he can't play against Australia, he will return against Turkey.
