Former Miami Player: Messi has unmatched talent; US can eliminate belgium

Julian Gressel, a former Inter Miami player and current Minnesota United midfielder, recently gave an interview to German sports channel SPORT1, where he discussed the U.S. team's prospects for advancement and why Messi is so special today.

SPORT1: The USA will play Belgium in the Round of 16. What do you think about the team's prospects?

Gressel: Belgium is the toughest opponent the USA has faced so far. Now these guys really have to push their limits to have a chance to advance. They can also use this to prove that they are capable of beating strong opponents. I think the two teams are evenly matched. Don't forget, the support of the home crowd will be a big factor.

SPORT1: So, can the USA reach the quarterfinals? Or even go further?

Gressel: I believe the USA can beat Belgium, maybe in extra time, or even a penalty shootout. They should have a chance in another round. But after that, they will probably stop. Spain or Portugal are too strong. But who knows? This FIFA World Cup has seen more than one upset. Even if the USA eventually gets knocked out in the quarterfinals, they can pat themselves on the back for a very good tournament.

SPORT1: Has this team already reached its limit?

Gressel: Of course not. Almost everyone is playing well right now, but they still have room for improvement. Pulisic, for example, has not yet fully shown his full potential. He is the face of this team and can carry the entire team. If he can do that, the U.S. team can go up another level.

SPORT1: You played 6 national team games for the USA. When did you realize that it would be difficult for you to make it to the FIFA World Cup? Or did you always hold out hope?

Gressel: In January 2025, I last contacted Pochettino. At that time, we had just tied the points record with Miami, and I was still on the extended roster. After that, I had some problems between Miami and Mascherano, and my playing time was greatly reduced. Later, the transfer to Minnesota did not go as I had envisioned. I didn't perform well myself, so I couldn't make demands. I knew early on that I probably wouldn't make it this time. But I am still very happy with how these guys have performed so far.

SPORT1: What do you think about Germany's elimination? And what do Americans think about German football? Germany hasn't really been among the world's top teams for many years...

Gressel: I often hear questions like: "What's wrong with Germany?" or "I thought Germany was one of the favorites?" Americans still see Germany as a football powerhouse. But it's also clear that the current expectations are too far from reality, and that's a shame. I think the German national team should now lower its profile and try to prove itself again. How strong you are only depends on how you've played in recent major tournaments. It feels like one low point after another.

SPORT1: This team may not be that bad?

Gressel: The individual quality of the players is very high. Maybe no one can be considered in the top 10 in Europe right now, but this team is still stronger than what they have shown in recent years.

SPORT1: You were teammates with Messi in Miami. Recently, people's feeling about him was actually more like: he's past his peak and just playing out his career easily. But his current performance is amazing: 7 goals in the first 4 FIFA World Cup games. What is Inter Miami's "fountain of youth" like?

Gressel: To be honest, I've never seen it. But I'd love a sip too (laughs).

SPORT1: How does he do it? Are there special methods? Does he receive special treatment?

Gressel: He has a physiotherapist who works with him every day. This physiotherapist has been with him since Miami and now accompanies him to the national team. He takes care of him every day, all day long. Whether it's massages, the weight room, or anything he needs, someone will take care of it. He also has more people around him, like a chef, always taking good care of him.

SPORT1: But are you still surprised by his current performance? After all, he's already 39 years old...

Gressel: To be honest, I'm not surprised. Messi has a talent that other players don't. He has a switch he can flip at any time. If he wants to, he's the best in the world. The older he gets, the less he might invest in Miami. But when it comes to the FIFA World Cup, when Argentina really has to fight for it, he wants to win even more. He's been preparing for this tournament all season. So, I'm not at all surprised by his FIFA World Cup performance. But one more thing to consider: Argentina's playing style is perfectly designed around him, which is different from Cristiano Ronaldo's situation.