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Reigning MLS MVP, FC Cincinnati star Lucho Acosta could be USMNT-eligible in early 2025

CONCACAF Nations League

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Current MLS MVP, future USMNT player?Speaking to media on Thursday, FC Cincinnati superstar Lucho Acosta revealed that his USMNT eligibility should be sorted come the flip of the calendar year, in January or February of 2025.The process, which he revealed is on a "good path" began in 2023, and he has shared multiple times since that he would like to represent the U.S. if an opportunity arose.Now, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/ussoccer-officially-announces-hiring-of-mauricio-pochettino-as-usmnt-coach/blt9dc4b0fc128070c4" target="_self">Mauricio Pochettino named manager of the program</a>, Acosta - a fellow Argentine - could be a member of the U.S. national team pool.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking via a club interpreter on Thursday, Acosta shared that he believes Pochettino has a bright future ahead of him with the U.S., and that he'd love to be a part of it."The truth is I'm really excited. I'd read that [Pochettino] was interested. The U.S. was interested. I think they confirmed it [Tuesday]. The truth is, he's a great coach and he has a great project. He'll be able to bring a lot to the organization and I look forward to the future with him as the coach."Acosta, the reigning MLS MVP, has been on a tear in 2023 with FCC. He's scored 11 goals and notched 18 assists in 25 league appearances so far, with the 30-year-old helping his club to second-place in the standings heading into the weekend.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to U.S. law, Green Card holders like Acosta must reside in the United States for at least five years before obtaining citizenship. The Argentine moved to the USA in 2016 when he signed for D.C. United, but after four seasons at the nation's capital, he joined Liga MX side Atlas FC in 2020, before returning to MLS with FCC in 2021.

DID YOU KNOW?

Acosta takes the pitch this weekend in the Hell is Real derby against arch-rivals Columbus Crew. The two Eastern Conference sides based out of Ohio will clash in a match between the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked teams.As the season ends, the FC Cincinnati star will be in contention for yet another MLS MVP award. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-cm/lists/mls-mvp-rankings-columbus-crew-cucho-hernandez-inter-miami-lionel-messi-luis-suarez/blt96751abb9a66e0c9" target="_self">His candidacy is already in stone</a>, but it remains to be seen if he will beat out the rest of MLS for the second-straight season.

WHAT NEXT FOR ACOSTA?

Reigning MLS MVP, FC Cincinnati star Lucho Acosta shares he will be USMNT-eligible in early 2025 | Goal.com

FC Cincinnati star Lucho Acosta has shared that come early 2025, he will be close to eligible to represent the USMNT.