US Men's National Team (USMNT) midfielder Weston McKennie has expressed his frustration with the "frustrating" field conditions at the Copa America tournament. McKennie's comments come after the playing surface for the tournament opener between Argentina and Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta received heavy criticism from players and coaches.

The field conditions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium have been a topic of major concern, as the venue has a grass field placed on top of the usual artificial turf used by Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. This change in conditions has not been well received, with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni stating that the surface was "not good for spectacle" and "not up to standard for these players," including superstar Lionel Messi.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez went further in his criticism, describing the pitch as "a disaster" that "jumped up on you as you ran," comparing it to "a trampoline." McKennie echoed these sentiments, stating that playing on such surfaces is frustrating and detrimental to the quality of the game.

However, the USMNT will have a different experience when they face Bolivia in their opening game at AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. The stadium has brought in newly-planted grass for the tournament, providing a smoother playing surface. McKennie highlighted the difficulties of playing on subpar fields, emphasizing the importance of a quality playing surface for players.

McKennie also noted the stark contrast between the Copa America and the concurrent European Championship. He pointed out that the Euros feature top-quality fields in football-specific stadiums, which allow for better gameplay and ball control. McKennie believes that improving field conditions should be a priority to help grow the sport in the United States, especially with the World Cup set to be hosted in the country in 2026.

As the USMNT continues their Copa America campaign, facing Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay, McKennie's comments shed light on the need for better field conditions in order to showcase the best of American soccer. With hopes of making the Copa America a sought-after tournament and attracting a wider audience, addressing these concerns is crucial.

The tournament organizers should take note of McKennie's remarks, as the quality of the playing surface directly impacts the players' ability to perform at their best. Football is not only a business but also a passion, and providing the best conditions will ensure that the tournament lives up to its potential.

With further matches remaining in the group stage, McKennie will hope for improved conditions in order to showcase their skills and secure positive results for the USMNT.