Christian Pulisic Says USMNT Legend Landon Donovan Was ‘Out of Line'

When it comes to American soccer, few names are as important as Landon Donovan. Considered by many to be the greatest American player ever, Donovan was the leader of US Soccer's most successful generation.

Donovan was a major player on multiple World Cup teams, and scored five goals during his time in the competition. The USMNT is set to compete in the Gold Cup, but one of their current stars isn't suiting up - and Donovan isn't happy about it.

"This is what it means to represent your country. This is what it means,” Donovan said while covering Portugal's win in the UEFA Nations League final. Donovan spoke while an emotional Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to the win.

"If you don’t want to take this—as a professional soccer player, as someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey—seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in," he added.

"[Ronaldo is] 40 years old. He’s played a long season. He’s tired, he was out there grinding and hurt himself in the process. And I can't help but think about some of our guys who are on vacation right now, not wanting to play in Gold Cup. It’s pissing me off."

One of the players set to skip the Gold Cup spoke out, and he said that Donovan's criticism crossed a line.

“You can talk about my performances, whatever you want, but to question my commitment, especially to the national team, in my opinion that’s way out of line," said current star Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic, who played deep into the season with AC Milan in Italy, is taking the tournament off to prioritize rest and recuperation. The 26-year-old is one of the most successful American players of all time - and to date is the only American to play in the Champions League final.

Pulisic also added that going from the season with AC Milan to international play with no break would have been bad for his body, especially with another season and the World Cup next year in the United States.

The USMNT will have to play the Gold Cup without Pulisic, a tournament it last won in 2021. The Americans watched rival Mexico lift the cup in 2023, and will look to wrestle it back from their continental foes on home soil this summer.

The USMNT is set to begin their Gold Cup journey against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15.