WATCH: CanMNT boss Jesse Marsch to President Trump: 'Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada as 51st state'

Jesse Marsch has a message for U.S. President Donald Trump: "Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric."

Speaking to press in Los Angeles on Wednesday ahead of next month's Concacaf Nations League Finals, the Canadian men's national team head coach -- and native of Racine, Wisconsin -- had some forceful words when asked about the American president's recent comments surrounding a desire to make Canada the 51st state. Marsch suggested that international competitions "mean something different now," given the heated political climate.

"As an American, I’d like to address the 51st state discourse, which I find unsettling and frankly insulting," Marsch said.

"Canada is a strong, independent nation that's deep-rooted in decency. Really. It’s a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarized, disrespectful and, often now, hate-fuelled climate that’s in the U.S. Canada values a lot of fairness and unity. It’s a place that I’ve learned as the national team coach where people really believe that their differences make them stronger. One of the things that I’ve enjoyed the most about our team is they exemplify this as human beings and as a team.

"They’re almost all first- and second-generation Canadians, coming from different heritage and cultures. But they uniquely are incredibly proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to each other, and the love that they have for each other and playing for their country."

Marsch went on to add that he "couldn't be prouder" to be the Canadian head coach right now, crediting his players with embodying ideals and morals such as integrity and respect.

"If I have one message to our president," Marsch continued, "it’s: Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown once of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies."

Oguchi Onyewu, VP of Sporting for the United States Soccer Federation, was asked for a response to Marsch's comments, but he chose to keep his focus on the Nations League matches.

Canada will play Mexico in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday, March 20 (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT). A win there would set up a championship showdown against either the U.S. or Panama on Sunday, March 23.

The 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals will be broadcast in Canada on OneSoccer.

More to come.