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USA forward Giovanni Reyna is hoping his nation can go far in the 2022 World Cup, but he will also be keeping a close eye on another country at the tournament this winter.
As per CBS, Reyna has Argentinian roots, and so will be also cheering on Lionel Messi and Co. in Qatar.
The talented forward had plenty of options when choosing his national team. Born in England, his grandmother’s background meant he could also represent Portugal.
His grandfather meanwhile was born in Argentina, while his father, ex-Manchester City and Rangers midfielder Claudio Reyna, was born in the USA.
Reyna has since chosen to represent his father’s nation, and has already become one of the star players of an exciting USA team. At just 19, the forward boasts 14 caps for his country. He has scored four goals in that time.
USA attacker “rooting for Messi and Argentina”
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While Reyna is unsurprisingly eager for the USA to have a successful World Cup, the Borussia Dortmund man will have one eye on Argentina’s progress.
“I’m still a fan of the game, so growing up beside the United States, I was rooting for Argentina,” said Reyna. “So those are kind of my roots and this side of my family where soccer is in our blood.
“So of course, I’m all in for us but if there’s an Argentina game going on another day where we’re not playing, I’ll have that one on and definitely be rooting for Lionel Messi and Argentina.”
Reyna hitting form in time for World Cup
Reyna has suffered from various injury struggles this season. His playing time has been limited, but fortunately for the USA, the attacker is now back on the pitch.
The forward recently started back-to-back matches for the first time this season. He played 66 minutes in the Bundesliga win over Stuttgart, and even found the back of the net in the 5-0 victory.
It was Reyna’s first goal in over a year. The teenager then made a start in the goalless draw against Man City in the Champions League. He played 87 minutes in the stalemate as Dortmund qualified for the knockout stages.
The forward was also handed just under half an hour in Dortmund’s latest Bundesliga match against Frankfurt. Such minutes will be crucial in the build-up to the World Cup.
USA report various struggles ahead of Qatar
Reyna hasn’t been the only USA player struggling for playing time this season. A handful of his compatriots have also been missing out on some of the action for their respective clubs.
Both injuries and simply a lack of selection have caused panic among some former USA players.
Christian Pulisic is yet to convince new Chelsea boss Graham Potter that he should start regularly. Sergino Dest is in a similar position at his current club AC Milan.
And on the injury front, Lille forward Timothy Weah has played just 135 minutes this season. Like Reyna, however, he is now back on the pitch and playing more often.
The country take on Wales in their 2022 World Cup opener on 21 November. This is followed by meetings with England and Iran on 25 and 29 November respectively.
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