Christian Pulisic says he's "not injured" and just needs rest

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, a new—and deeply revealing—controversy has erupted within the U.S. Soccer landscape. What appeared to be a comment of accountability and motivation during a UEFA Nations League broadcast has turned into a growing public rift between the past and present faces of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT): Landon Donovan and Christian Pulisic.

The headline might read like tabloid drama, but the reality points to a much deeper issue. It’s not just a “US Soccer Family Feud”—it’s a test of leadership, accountability, and maturity on the eve of the most significant moment in American soccer history. And caught in the middle? Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the man tasked to lead this country to success at the World Cup.

🇺🇸 The Spark: Donovan's Commentary Strikes a Nerve

During the UEFA Nations League Final between Spain and Portugal, Landon Donovan made a pointed observation. Highlighting Cristiano Ronaldo’s visible pride and emotional reaction at 40 while representing Portugal at the final whistle, Donovan questioned whether the same patriotic drive and hunger exist within today’s U.S. squad.

“This is what it means, to represent your country (this is what it means)… If you don’t want to take this, as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don’t come in… (this is what it means)... He’s (Crisitiano Ronaldo) 40 years old, he’s played a long ass season... I can’t help but think about some of our guys who are on vacation right now, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup… It’s pissing me off.”

While not naming Pulisic directly, the timing and tone made it clear the current generation was under scrutiny—especially the player expected to lead them next summer.

🧨 The Response: Family First, But Is That the Problem?

Before Pulisic responded publicly, his father took to social media, defending his son and seemingly shielding him from the critique. Many in the soccer community see this as a recurring issue in U.S. Soccer culture—parents intervening in matters that should be handled by the player or within the team. This happens at the amateur level all the time but not expected to occur at the professional ranks.

This response raised uncomfortable questions. Would Christian have preferred to speak for himself first or even at all? Did his father’s post add fuel to a fire best extinguished? And more broadly, does this speak to an endemic issue in American soccer, where coddling often replaces competition and accountability?

💥 Double Standards? A Look at Donovan’s Past

It’s important to consider the irony: Donovan himself took a 144-day sabbatical a year before the of the 2014 World Cup, which played a major role in then-manager Jurgen Klinsmann omitting him from the final squad. In calling out today’s stars, Landon may have forgotten his own missteps—or perhaps he’s trying to ensure others don’t repeat them. (Landon had played in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments)

Still, regardless of his time off, many would argue his point holds weight. Great players show up for their country. Modrić, Messi, and Ronaldo are still competing for their national teams who arguably more tired and beat up at advanced ages. Why should the “best” players of USMNT’s be allowed to sit out the Gold Cup—the last competitive tournament before the 2026 World Cup?

⚽ Christian Pulisic’s Absence: Legitimate Rest or Missed Opportunity?

Pulisic is coming off his most productive club season to date—scoring 17 goals and assisting 10 more across all competitions for AC Milan. He played significant minutes deep into May, including back-to-back appearances in Serie A and the Coppa Italia final.

On the surface, a break might seem justified.

But here’s the kicker: in an interview with Call It What You Want (Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola), Pulisic confirmed he was not injured. He said he had “a few little things” bothering him and felt rest would prepare him better for the upcoming season and the 2026 World Cup.

That distinction matters. In elite football, “hurt” is normal; “injured” is different. By all accounts, Pulisic was healthy enough to at least be with the squad, even if used sparingly.

More concerning, he claimed he was open to playing in the friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland—but Pochettino wanted one consistent roster for both those matches and the Gold Cup. Was this poor planning? Miscommunication? Or did Christian ultimately prefer a summer off? It sure seems Christian wanted to take some personal time and doesn’t see more value in competing in the Gold Cup.

🎯 Why This Matters: The Leadership Vacuum

If Pulisic is the face of U.S. Soccer—and he is—then leadership demands more than goals and assists. It means showing up when it’s inconvenient. It means mentoring the younger, less experienced players. It means being there, even if it’s only to support from the bench.

This is the last chance for the USMNT to build chemistry, form an identity, and set expectations before hosting the most significant tournament in our country’s soccer history. Other world-class players like—Messi, Ronaldo, Salah—won’t ever have the chance to play a World Cup on home soil.

Pulisic does. And his absence may be seen as a squandered opportunity to cement his role as the team’s emotional and tactical anchor.

🤔 Can Pochettino Fix the Fracture?

Now, this brings Mauricio Pochettino into the frame. His tenure with the USMNT is not off to a great start. Appointed to bring elite club experience and discipline to the national setup, can he command the respect, instill a strong mentality and a collective buy in from the players? There are concerns with leadership, mentality and accountability with this generation of players for the US Men’s National Team. For Pochettino to allow Pulisic, the captain to sit out the Gold Cup to get some more rest is concerning.

He needs to manage personalities and expectations—skills he honed at Tottenham and Chelsea but which may be even more critical here. If there's a leadership vacuum, Pochettino must either fill it or ensure it’s occupied by players who earn it.

🔮 What’s Next for U.S. Soccer?

With the Gold Cup getting underway, the spotlight now turns to how the team performs and forms and identity without Pulisic. Will others step up? Will Christian’s absence be justified in hindsight? Or will it come to symbolize the continued disconnect between talent and mentality in American soccer?