Mauricio Pochettino puts his faith in young MLS superstar
The USMNT boss was so impressed with Diego Luna’s performances in the January training camp that he’s added him to the senior squad.
With just over a year to go until the 2026 World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino has little room for experimentation with the USMNT. However the performances of one MLS starlet has captured Pochettino’s attention and forced his way into the squad.
Diego Luna had a standout 2024 season with Real Salt Lake, contributing 20 goals and clinching the league’s Young Player of the Year award. That earned him a call-up to the national team’s January camp and he impressed the new USMNT boss in the 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica. In the game Luna suffered a broken nose just 16 minutes into the game but insisted that he could play on, with a bloodied face, and went on to contribute an inch-perfect assist.
After the match Pochettino praised his bravery and he has now added the youngster to the 23-man squad for this month’s Concacaf Nations League games. After the news broke, Luna spoke to AS USA about the call-up and his ambitions in his young career.
On his first competitive call-up for USMNT
“I’m very excited to be part of this team in the final four [of the Nations League]. I hope we win a championship with the United States. It’s something very special and it could be something very nice.”
“I think it’s exciting for me to be out there, to be with the best, and to be part of what people call the main team. It’s going to be something new for me. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous.”
“There’s also a lot of excitement about being there, competing with these players and seeing what it’s like to perform at that level alongside world-class players. I think it’s incredible and it gives me a chance to show myself and see what I’m capable of.”
On his broken nose against Costa Rica
“I think that showed a lot about my mentality and, I guess, the kind of determination that [Pochettino] likes. I also think I had a great training camp and stuff like that, and I think he saw that I’m not your typical US player or your typical number 10. I like having freedom, I like creating chances, I like scoring goals.
“I think after breaking my nose, going out there, giving an assist right away and leading the team to a good win against Costa Rica he took that into account and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
“[Pochettino] called me the next morning because he wanted to know how I was, how my nose was, and of course, how I was feeling in general. And yeah, everything was fine. I don’t think there’s anything unusual in our relationship or dynamic.”
“I think, if anything, this brought us closer. He understood the determination it took to play in those conditions. I’m glad he took it into account and didn’t just let it go like it was nothing. So I’m happy.”
On his journey with the national team
“It’s been years of being underestimated, going through different stages, from the academy to leaving my family to go to another academy that would help me improve. Then going to El Paso, Texas, to play in the USL, then arriving at RSL and, at first, not getting any minutes. I kept going despite everything.”
“Also with things outside of football. Having a child at a young age… It’s been a lot for me. I don’t think I’ve stopped to look at everything I’ve achieved. But, right now, I feel very grateful to look back and realize that I’ve worked hard to be here and that I deserve this opportunity. It’s very exciting."
On the chance of playing for Mexico
“I think it’s been pretty clear to me to play for the United States, because they’ve given me the opportunity to play. They’ve given me the platform to showcase myself and they’ve given me the opportunities. I don’t think that’s something to take lightly, how can I put it? You have to be grateful for that, because they’ve given me the opportunity.”
“Yes, I have Mexican roots, both of my parents are Mexican, but that doesn’t define whether I’m going to choose to play for the United States or Mexico, right?”
On a possible career in Europe
“I have a lot of dreams and aspirations to play in Europe. And, of course, it’s still my goal. I want to at least have the opportunity to show myself there. There’ll always be time to come back and play in Mexico or the United States. My goal has always been to try it in Europe, regardless of whether it works out or not.”
“I need to go and experience it. It’s part of my journey and my dream, to go out and see what it’s like. I wouldn’t mind playing in one of the top five leagues in the world, or even a lower-level league to work my way up, like I’ve done in my career. I’ve taken the path of moving up little by little, and when the time comes to make the jump, I do it. I think that’s worked out really well for me, so I’m going to continue along those lines. I’m excited to see where this takes me, to continue performing well at RSL and with the national team. And to see what happens.”
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