Weston McKennie stays hot, Messi is back, FIFA World Cup vs. Olympics
10 February 2026

Weston McKennie stays hot, Messi is back, FIFA World Cup vs. Olympics

Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

About
This episode is packed with USMNT storylines, Americans abroad drama, and global soccer chaos across Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League. Alexi Lalas & David Mosse lead with Weston McKennie’s scorching run at Juventus, scoring in his second straight Serie A match and cementing himself as one of the league’s most productive midfielders under Luciano Spalletti… where does he rank among American players right now? We break down Johnny Cardoso’s injury concerns at Atlético Madrid, and mounting pressure as the US midfield picture tightens. Plus: Gio Reyna sidelined again, Tim Weah opens up about struggles at Juve and resurgence at Marseille, and strong EPL showings from Brenden Aaronson and Chris Richards. We also hit Ronaldo’s strike, Messi tuning up ahead of the MLS season, #AskAlexi, and a big-picture debate: World Cup vs Olympics… has global soccer officially passed the Games? 

Intro (0:00)U.S. Abroad: McKennie scores, Johnny & Banks hurt (:)Liverpool vs City: Match of the Weekend (:)Messi and Ronaldo are back (:)#AskAlexi: McKennie > Pulisic? (:)One For The Road: World Cup vs Olympics (:)
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