United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) star Christian Pulisic has strongly defended his commitment to the national team after former U.S. legend Landon Donovan publicly questioned the dedication of senior players ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. While Donovan did not mention Pulisic by name, his comments clearly referenced those who opted out of the tournament, leading to a firm rebuttal from the AC Milan midfielder.

 
What Christian Pulisic Said

Speaking on CBS Sports’ Call It What You Want, Pulisic said he specifically asked to play in the two pre-Gold Cup friendlies but chose not to feature in the tournament itself in order to rest and recover. He emphasized the importance of being physically and mentally ready for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.

“You can talk about my performances, but to question my commitment is way out of line,” said Pulisic.
He also addressed the tone of criticism from former players like Donovan and Tim Howard, expressing disappointment that such comments came from individuals who previously showed support in private.

 
What Landon Donovan Said

Landon Donovan, a veteran of three World Cups and now a television analyst, implied that some U.S. stars were treating this summer as a “vacation” instead of representing their country. His criticism triggered immediate reaction from both fans and members of the current USMNT.

In response, Mark Pulisic, Christian’s father, posted a pointed message on Instagram, referencing Donovan’s own absence from the national team in 2012–13, which contributed to him being left out of the 2014 World Cup squad.

 
Team Support: McKennie and Adams React

Teammates, including Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, publicly backed him.

McKennie said, “We should be careful how we criticize. Players know what’s best for their bodies and careers. If we have issues, we should talk internally.”

Adams added that the team is focused on their preparation and not letting outside noise interfere with their objectives.

 
The Bigger Picture: Player Management and Media Critique

This public spat highlights a growing tension between past legends and current players, particularly around:

• Managing workload after long club seasons
• Planning ahead for the 2026 World Cup
• Balancing media obligations and internal team unity
  
  
  

Sources close to the team revealed that Mauricio Pochettino, who has maintained a strong relationship with U.S. internationals, supported Pulisic’s decision to rest, citing the importance of long-term fitness and focus.

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