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USMNT Captain Tyler Adams Gets Called Out by Weston McKennie Before World Cup
Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

The United States men’s national team may be preparing for another massive World Cup moment, but Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie still found time for some friendly trash talk involving the New York Knicks.

Adams, who captained the USMNT during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, recently made headlines after confidently posting, “Knicks in 4,” while discussing New York’s playoff run.

The comment immediately sparked reactions online, especially from fellow U.S. soccer star Weston McKennie.

McKennie jokingly called Adams out over the prediction, claiming the USMNT captain is not actually a Knicks fan. The Juventus midfielder made it clear he was kidding, but the exchange quickly grabbed attention from both basketball and soccer fans.

Adams later doubled down on his excitement surrounding New York’s postseason run.

“Excited to make their first finals appearance in so long,” Adams said. “Something special for the city. If they win a championship, I’m sure the city will go crazy.”\

Tyler Adams Remains a Central Figure for USMNT

Adams has become one of the defining leaders of the current U.S. men’s national team generation.

The midfielder was officially named captain ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the youngest USMNT player to wear the armband at a World Cup since 1950. Former head coach Gregg Berhalter praised Adams’ leadership throughout the tournament, pointing to both his communication skills and presence inside the locker room.

Since breaking through with the New York Red Bulls, Adams has established himself as one of the top American players competing in Europe. His career has included stops with RB Leipzig and Leeds United before continuing his rise on the international stage.

Even with World Cup preparations continuing to build, Adams still made time to support New York basketball.

Weston McKennie Jokes About Knicks Fandom

McKennie, meanwhile, approached the conversation from a different angle.

The Juventus star jokingly questioned Adams’ Knicks loyalty before later admitting he does not really follow basketball closely himself. That playful back-and-forth added another entertaining moment between two of the biggest personalities in the USMNT setup.

McKennie has long shared a close relationship with Adams as the pair have helped anchor the American midfield for several years.

The two players were instrumental during the 2022 World Cup and are expected to remain central pieces for the United States heading into the next tournament cycle as well.

Soccer Stars Continue Showing Love for Knicks Run

The Knicks’ postseason success has pulled in support from athletes across multiple sports, and Adams’ comments only added to the growing excitement surrounding the franchise.

New York has been desperate for a championship contender for years, making the current playoff run one of the biggest stories in sports.

For Adams, the excitement clearly goes beyond casual fandom.

And for McKennie, the opportunity to tease one of his closest teammates was simply too good to pass up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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