They could care less about the noise that’s generated across comment sections and online forums that diminish MLS as a pipeline for the national team. The reality, though, is quite simple: January camp is not a collection of the country’s best players.

The arrival of Lionel Messi has changed the game in the United States and Pochettino is eager to capitalise on the boost in publicity for soccer.

Mauricio Pochettino had a clear message to players joining up for his USMNT squad camp this month. The former Tottenham head coach is hoping to utilise the meet-up to assess the levels of US-based stars ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League final series in March.