Christian Pulisic posts message on social media after USMNT's World Cup loss

That's not likely to be more consolation for the people who have put the target firmly on his back for the team's exit. 

Pulisic played in four of the United States' five World Cup games, including both knockout games against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the most recent game against Belgium, and was clearly not quite 100% healthy as he dealt with leg injuries. 

His best game was in the group stage opener against Paraguay, recording an assist and making his largest impact of the tournament. He sat out the second game against Australia before making a return against Turkiye. As each match went on, however, his level of play seemed to drop, and like most of the team was a virtual non-factor against Belgium. 

A lot of the criticism stems from not only his lack of production at the tournament, but also for the way he did not play at the 2025 Gold Cup, so he could rest after playing two tough seasons for AC Milan. Lloyd, in particular, took an indirect shot at that on social media on Wednesday when she posted that you rest when your career is over.

It's a tough time for Pulisic. At 27 years old, he figures to still be a potential factor for the next World Cup cycle, even if in a smaller role, and it is going to be a long road back for him from a PR standpoint following this tournament.