Sergino Dest's 'unique' USMNT call-up a reminder of how wrong things have gone at AC Milan for the Barcelona loanee

Not all U.S. men's national team call-ups are created equal. For Sergino Dest, his invitation to join the national team this week is simply a sign of the times.

The U.S. have convened for a midweek friendly against Mexico, the first in a new annual series of friendlies against big opponents. The match does not fall during an international window so, as a result, clubs are not required to release their players.

MLS clubs have obliged, considering the match is in the U.S. Mexican team Juarez have also released Alan Sonora, although Club America were less accommodating with Alejandro Zendejas. The squad, as a whole, is almost entirely North American-based. Almost.

🏆 TOP STORY: Arsenal slammed for 'ignoring mascot'

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Can Liverpool make top four?

🚨 MUST READ: Don't give up on Sancho just yet!

The one name, the one outlier, is Dest, who was cleared by AC Milan to fly across the Atlantic Ocean for this match. It's a message, and a clear one at that.

His loan spell with the Serie A side has proven a disaster. He hasn't played since January, and Milan have little intention of putting him on the field any time soon. That they have allowed Dest to leave the squad to play a meaningless international in the week of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Napoli speaks volumes.

Dest, then, is approaching a crossroads. His club career is totally uncertain and, as a result, so too is his spot in the national team.