USMNT icon applauds Christian Pulisic for CONCACAF Gold Cup decision – Shuts down his critics with brutal nine-word rebuke

As the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) prepared for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the conversation surrounding the squad became less about tactics and matchups—and more about who wasn’t there. The absence of Christian Pulisic and other key American stars drew sharp criticism from pundits, former players, and fans alike. The decision has drawn mostly outrage, with some fans and former players labeling the move unpatriotic.

But now, a respected USMNT legend has come to the defense of Pulisic and his fellow absentees, backing their decision to rest and blasting their critics with a harsh nine-word claim that has reignited the national debate.

The 26-year-old’s exclusion from the Gold Cup was not a surprise to U.S. Soccer insiders. The Milan forward played 57 matches for club and country in the 2024-25 season and requested time off to physically and mentally recharge. With the World Cup less than a year away, the decision was jointly made between the player, his team, and U.S. Soccer officials.

“Christian and his team approached the federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker explained. “After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs.”

Despite this, the absence of Pulisic, along with other key players like Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Timothy Weah, sparked fierce criticism—most notably from Landon Donovan, who suggested some players lacked the commitment to represent their country.

Donovan’s comments ignited backlash

During Fox Sports’ broadcast of the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, Donovan appeared to criticize Pulisic—without naming him directly—by drawing a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo. “This is what it means to represent your country. If you don’t want to take that opportunity seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in,” Donovan said. “Ronaldo is 40 years old. He’s tired. He’s still out there grinding.”

The remarks set off a firestorm. Pulisic responded days later during an appearance on CBS Sports’ Call It What You Want. “To question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion, that’s way out of line,” he said. “My body started talking to me… I thought about what would be best for me leading into next year and the World Cup.”

Enter Marcelo Balboa: Drawing the line

Now, former USMNT captain Marcelo Balboa has joined the conversation—and he’s not holding back. Speaking on the Call It What You Want podcast, Balboa defended Pulisic and criticized the growing negativity aimed at American stars.

“We all want to see soccer grow. We want this team to do well,” Balboa said. “Tell me—what good does it do, beating up Christian Pulisic every day, or Tyler Adams, or Weston McKennie? It makes no sense.”

And then came his boldest statement, a nine-word critique that captured attention across the U.S. soccer community: “There’s a fine line between being negative and being an idiot.” Balboa acknowledged that scrutiny is part of the job, especially with the national team under a global spotlight, but emphasized that constructive criticism must not devolve into personal attacks. “We wanted this kind of pressure as athletes… But I’ve got their back and always will.”