What Ronaldo's Record Means for Portugal; USMNT Should Prepare to Reset; Messi-less Argentina Shining Bright

Welcome back for Season 10 of Onside/Offside on ESPN! This morning at 9.52 AM ET Luis Miguel Echegaray kicks things off again as host. Luis Miguel Echegaray shares his take on recent headlines in soccer, such as outstanding performances or games you might have missed; what to be mindful of for future matches; as well as any extra love or criticism received by any individual players and teams. This week is an international break treat, featuring 2026 World Cup qualifying, the UEFA Nations League and international friendlies. Ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against New Zealand, U.S. men’s national team players audition with new leadership. On Saturday they take on northern neighbor Canada. At Sporting Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park on September 1, two co-hosts for the men’s 2026 World Cup — fresh off a summer of Copa America participation — face each other for friendly matches without qualification as criteria for 2026 World Cup qualification. Although these exhibition matches lack footballing significance in themselves, their meaning lies elsewhere: in 21 months when all eyes will turn toward North America for this tournament can these sides not just compete but beat top opposition? Let’s consider Canada as our example here. Jesse Marsch’s team, which impressed in their Copa America debut after finishing fourth, have established both an identity and project worthy of support – guided by an American manager with experience. If this trajectory continues into two summers’ time there could well be hopes and optimism of an historic run! Canada has never advanced beyond the group stage at any World Cup before 2026 – something which might change. On the USMNT side of things however, things could go very differently as their squad crashed out early at Copa America — meaning for the first time that an U.S. tournament hosted by them didn’t make the knockouts of its tournament! Gregg Berhalter was fired following their disastrous result and now begins a new chapter for this national team. Many of their problems have already been solved – talent is present along with rising support in an environment which continues to embrace this sport. But they need someone with leadership experience, someone who can push his players further while pushing them to be stronger, tougher and more resilient on an international stage. I believe Mauricio Pochettino – currently finalising a contract with USMNT — fits this profile perfectly. Experience, expertise and gravitas make former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Paul Merson an outstanding addition. World and Copa America champions Argentina won another three points in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches to extend their lead at the top of South American tables and extend CONMEBOL qualification for Russia 2018. Di Maria received her tribute with teary eyes as this night of CONMEBOL qualifiers marked another chapter and life without Lionel Messi began unfolding before her. Paulo Dybala scored the third goal and donned No. 10 shirt on Thursday night; clearly feeling its weight as Leo Messi owned it at that time. “I know it doesn’t belong to me; some of my teammates told me to.” “Initially I wasn’t sure whether to accept it or not; however it has proven an incredible opportunity.”Editor’s Pick2 RelatedMessi decided to remain in South Florida during this international window due to ongoing rehabilitation from an ankle injury he sustained at Copa America final in July. Since that incident, Messi has not played for either club and country; both Argentina’s national team as well as Inter Miami have come to accept that one day, they may find themselves without their captain. I understand what you may be thinking; Argentina fans. Dybala noted the apparent “offside,” noting how even when Messi is absent he still makes an impactful presence felt throughout. One day though he will retire. As has often been noted, no matter what he may have contributed for Argentina’s national team, his departure will not cause shockwaves; all credit for that goes to manager Lionel Scaloni who remains key. Argentina have demonstrated their defensive grit at Copa America (not conceding any goals during group stages, only once during knockouts and twice total in knockouts) as well as World Cup qualifiers while last night their offensive creativity came shining through again in an impressive win against Chile at ARGUS Stadium. The opening goal was the perfect example, with Julian Alvarez sending in a low cross into the box where Lautaro Martinez dummied it for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister to score first. Goal scored with ease by nearly every Argentinian on the pitch! An optimistic perspective would point out that there are still matches left to be played and sixth is sufficient for qualification as CONMEBOL was awarded six and half spots for 2026 tournament qualification. But realistically speaking: you cannot take this for granted! Brazil should never accept being placed sixth! Their situation can be explained simply: South American football has changed, as have its hierarchies; Argentina leads, but Uruguay and Colombia have now emerged to show they belong as contenders in football’s globalized landscape. Second: Relative to its recent predecessors, Brazil currently features one of the weakest teams — in terms of experience and depth — available. Talent across the squad is lacking and star player Vinicius Junior cannot shoulder all the responsibility on his own. Neymar remains injured from an ACL tear he sustained last October but at 33 he should no longer be considered the solution to future woes at FC Barcelona. He must push back against their disillusionment but most significantly must lead them to six points from both Ecuador at home and Paraguay away in this window. Anything less will only create additional questions, while excitement around Brazil national team may also begin waning. Kickoff for this evening was originally set at 9:45 p.m. local Brazilian time, however due to scheduling conflicts relating to an extremely popular soap opera series’ final episode it has since been moved up one hour by network Globo to accommodate for its endgame episode. South American fans should recognize this is nothing new; rather it highlights Portugal’s overall lack of interest or excitement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo as captain of their Selecao side. His record stands as evidence for that claim – yet what impact has that had for Portugal as an organization? Let us just put this aside so Cristiano Ronaldo super fans don’t start getting confused here! Becoming the first men’s player ever to score 900 goals is truly astounding and unfathomable, let alone be the greatest goal-scorer in football history. He spoke proudly on YouTube channel about wanting to reach 1,000 goals! “My aim is 1,000,” said Rio Ferdinand from Man United who used to play alongside him before they parted ways. “To me, being free from injuries is of the utmost importance; my goal in football is to score at least 900 goals – my challenge then becomes 1,000!” “Earlier this week, Ronaldo discussed his desire to remain part of Brazil’s national team by emphasizing his intention not to retire or play second fiddle roles; retirement or being sidelined never entered his mind: Until my career comes to a close I will always consider myself an elite starter,” Ronaldo explained. This feat alone is astounding.” Ronaldo embodies what defines him: an intense pursuit of personal perfection that dominates everything else in his life. Unfortunately, however, I believe Ronaldo could hinder Portugal in major competitions by his focus on individualism rather than team play if he remains around for too long. No, I do not consider the Nations League a major competition. While it adds extra spice and competitive spirit to friendlies, it cannot compare with either World Cup or Euro competitions in terms of overall quality of competitions. Portugal have never won either competition; Ronaldo finally earned it back then at 31 (though he came off injured during the 25th minute of final). So my point is this. Ronaldo’s objective of scoring 1000 goals may seem self-serving; however, as evidenced during Germany 2018 major tournament play-offs his presence may inhibit opportunities for young teammates in his lineup and manager Roberto Martinez will always call up Ronaldo regardless. Ronaldo won’t ever admit that he is an asset or liability in major competitions; goals will continue coming in smaller ones; yet Portugal’s progress and chances to win the World Cup 2026 could suffer as a result. That is the question at stake here, with Ronaldo’s impact and attention dominating that it might overshadow what should be the focal point: Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that retirement wasn’t in his plans while looking ahead to new international cycle, however. For further reading and analysis on this subject please check FIFPRO’s report, detailing an ever-escalating issue related to an overloaded schedule causing mental and physical stress among professional players. Lightening up on fixtures not only reduces problems with attendance and performance but actually boosts it – something I have repeatedly written about – just look at Erling Haaland who started so brightly this season after enjoying an extended summer off!