While the U.S. men’s national soccer team prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, a spotlight is on Christian Pulisic, who opted not to join the squad this summer to recuperate from an intense season.

Pulisic, a key player for AC Milan, has been active in 57 matches throughout the 2024-25 season. His decision to miss the Gold Cup was made jointly with the USMNT staff, focusing on his health ahead of the next competitive year, especially with the World Cup approaching.

This decision was largely accepted by fans, but Landon Donovan raised concerns recently, igniting a rivalry with Pulisic’s father, Mark.

Pulisic defended his decision during a CBS Sports interview, saying, “You can critique my performances, but questioning my dedication, especially to the national team, is out of line. People tend to forget quickly when I’m back on the field playing well.”

The discourse took a personal turn as Donovan, while commenting on the sacrifices made by players for their country, seemed to indirectly criticize Pulisic. Mark Pulisic responded by sharing a reflective statement about Donovan’s past decisions to take breaks during his career on social media, asserting a need for unity and self-awareness in critiques.

Former USMNT players have chimed in, many supporting Pulisic and disputing Donovan’s perspective on commitment, emphasizing the physical demands placed on contemporary players compared to those in earlier eras.

This ongoing controversy highlights the complexities and pressures within U.S. soccer as it heads toward future competitions, urging both players and fans alike to reflect on the decisions affecting the national team’s trajectory.