United States coach Mauricio Pochettino used the news conference ahead of the World Cup match against Australia on Friday to share some emotional words about Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
"I want to send him all my support because he's going through a difficult family situation," Pochettino said on Thursday.
He worked with compatriot Messi when he coached Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023.
"I know him and his family from our time in Paris. I want to convey my best wishes to his family," the coach said.
According to a family statement, Messi's father Jorge is going through a health-related issues and currently under medical care.
He 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).
"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," Pochettino said.
The coach, who played for the Argentina at the 2002 World Cup, praised the national team, but stressed that there are no divided loyalties, Pochettino insisted.
"I'm Argentine. But I'm defending the US. I'm going to give everything I have to create good memories here," he insisted.
After a 4-1 win against Paraguay in the tournament opener, co-hosts US face Australia on Friday.
It's unclear whether Christian Pulisic will be available for the clash. He only trained individually after taking a knock in the opening match.
Pochettino said that a decision 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."
