Bellingham Delivers Powerful Six-Word Message as Reyna Makes Triumphant USMNT Comeback

Gio Reyna delivered an impressive comeback performance with the U.S. men's national team on Saturday evening during a 2–1 victory against Paraguay, drawing praise from his ex-Borussia Dortmund colleague Jude Bellingham.

Reyna, who had been absent from multiple USMNT gatherings due to poor form and conditioning issues, found the net in the fourth minute versus the South American side, converting a header from Max Arfsten's delivery at Subaru Park. 

The 22-year-old midfielder continued his influential display throughout the match, contributing to Folarin Balogun's strike that secured the USMNT's second goal and ultimate victory. Bellingham, who was away with England's national squad during the triumph, still took time to commend his former Bundesliga colleague via social media. 

"The cream always rises to the top," the Real Madrid sensation wrote on Reyna's Instagram post where the American playmaker celebrated his exceptional showing with the Stars and Stripes.

The pair shared the pitch for three campaigns at Dortmund before Bellingham's transfer to Real Madrid prior to the 2023–24 campaign, while Reyna's move to Borussia Mönchengladbach occurred during the 2025 summer transfer period. 

Bellingham's comment mirrored one he posted on Reyna's Instagram in 2024 following Reyna's previous international goal in a victory over Mexico that secured the 2024 Concacaf Nations League championship. 

Reyna Hopeful to Carve Out a Place in Pochettino's Squad

Currently, Reyna remains optimistic that his quality will continue to shine through. He has accumulated merely 147 minutes of Bundesliga action this season and has shown inconsistent form for both club and country, despite his confidence about making the 2026 World Cup squad. 

"I certainly think about [the World Cup] quite frequently as it's a place where I must and desire to be," Reyna mentioned regarding next summer's competition in a conversation with the Associated Press. "However, I attempt to concentrate on daily tasks here, remain focused in the present, work diligently each day, and trust that everything will align properly."

Additional supporters responding to his recent post included USMNT colleagues Chris Richards, Sergiño Dest and Yunus Musah. 

Having completed his much-anticipated return, Reyna will aim to deliver another strong performance in the concluding USMNT fixture of 2025 when they meet Uruguay on Tuesday evening.