The tantalizing prospect of Christian Pulisic squaring off against Lionel Messi is still unconfirmed—but it has already sent ripples through the American soccer community.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) could be set for one of its most high-profile tests in recent memory: a potential friendly against World Cup champions Argentina, with the match tentatively scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar. The tantalizing prospect of Christian Pulisic squaring off against Lionel Messi, in what would be a symbolic showdown of sports eras and continents, is still unconfirmed—but it has already sent ripples through the American soccer community.
According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, “Argentina is planning international friendlies in October and November, and the United States is among the possible opponents for the Albiceleste.“ While US Soccer has not yet confirmed the fixture, the game would fit squarely into a strategic final run of high-intensity matchups in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is set to co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
The Pochettino era and a packed 2025 schedule
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT has embarked on a rigorous calendar of friendlies to refine squad chemistry and test tactical flexibility. Having already secured qualification as co-host, the United States is leveraging every international window to prepare for what could be a transformative tournament on home soil.
In September, the Stars and Stripes will face two of Asia’s top sides: South Korea on September 6 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, and Japan on September 9 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
“We want to play against the best,” a source close to the federation told ESPN, emphasizing the need for “meaningful challenges in high-pressure environments.“
Japan, ranked No. 14 in the FIFA World Rankings, is currently Asia’s top team and has not lost in 12 matches. South Korea, ranked No. 23, is also on the verge of World Cup qualification. These matches offer the U.S. a crucial measuring stick before heading into a potentially historic matchup against Argentina.
Looming test against the world champions?
The 2022 World Cup winner remains one of the game’s most dominant forces under head coach Lionel Scaloni. Whether Messi—now playing in MLS with Inter Miami—would feature in the proposed friendly is unclear. But the symbolic weight of the match, especially being played in Qatar, the site of Argentina’s most recent glory, adds gravitas to the potential clash.
The proposed match would fall within the final FIFA international window of the year, running from November 10 to 18. While the U.S. is considering hosting matches in October, they are also reportedly looking at an international tour in November—a detail that aligns with the Qatar fixture.
