Messi Scores Opening World Cup Hat Trick as Pochettino Reflects on U.S. 2-0 Win

Q: Is the Zlatan-Lalas dynamic a broadcasting failure for Fox or an intentional move for higher ratings?

It looks more like an intentional ratings play that critics see as weakening the broadcast. The evidence points to Fox deliberately pairing two strong, polarizing personalities. Zlatan Ibrahimovic brings global star power and blunt confidence; Alexi Lalas has long been used as a provocation-driven studio voice. That combination is well suited to generating clips, arguments and social-media traction during a World Cup, and Fox has clearly aimed for a louder, personality-led studio format. At the same time, respected media critics have argued the result is awkward rather than insightful. Andrew Marchand’s reported view is that Fox’s main studio show would improve with less of both men, criticizing Lalas as overbearing and Zlatan as sometimes short on specific team knowledge. Other commentary has similarly suggested the pairing can test the host and create tension that does not always translate into useful analysis. So the best reading is that this is not an accidental failure in casting. It is a deliberate editorial choice to trade some analytical depth for buzz, conflict and broader audience appeal. Whether that is “failure” depends on the metric: if the goal is serious soccer analysis, the criticism is strong; if the goal is attention, conversation and ratings, the dynamic appears to be doing what Fox likely intended.

Q: With the USMNT in the knockouts, is Pochettino coaching for a new contract or a new European club?

He is effectively coaching for both, but the stronger immediate read is that a successful knockout run gives him leverage whether he stays with the USMNT or returns to Europe. Pochettino’s contract runs through the end of this World Cup, with reports saying it expires in July. He has said he is fully committed to the U.S. during the tournament, and U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson has backed that up, saying Pochettino has been transparent about outside interest. At the same time, Pochettino has not shut the door on staying. He has indicated he would listen to U.S. Soccer’s long-term project and has said an extension is possible if both sides are happy. The European-club angle is real, not just speculation. Pochettino has acknowledged that his representatives may be speaking to clubs, and AC Milan has been the clearest reported link. Broader rumors around elite European jobs have also followed him because of his pedigree at Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea. A deep World Cup run with the U.S. would only strengthen his market. So the knockout stage is less a straight audition for one job than a leverage point for all of them. If the U.S. exceeds expectations, U.S. Soccer has a stronger case to extend him, but Pochettino also becomes more attractive to major European clubs. Right now, the evidence suggests he is keeping both options open while prioritizing the tournament.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22

Lionel Messi opened Argentina’s 2026 World Cup with a hat trick, the standout on a show centered on the tournament’s latest action.
Mauricio Pochettino also gave an exclusive interview after the United States beat Australia 2-0, discussing the aftermath of the hosts’ emphatic win.
Paul Tenorio joined the program with the one-on-one Pochettino interview, while James Horncastle examined how Messi prepared for the three-goal performance.
The episode also widened to tournament coverage off the pitch, with Andrew Marchand assessing the on-air dynamic between Fox analysts Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexi Lalas.