USMNT Icon Defends Pulisic, Calls Out Ex-Players: 'Being an Idiot'

Christian Pulisic was under fire when rejecting the chance to play in the Gold Cup this summer. The AC Milan star opted to rest in preparation for the upcoming season and the 2026 World Cup.

Former USMNT players were questioning why Pulisic chose to miss the Gold Cup a year before the World Cup, as Mauricio Pochettino wanted to have an idea of what the roster should look like next year.

In an interview with the Call It What You Want Podcast, USMNT icon Marcelo Balboa was asked about how former USMNT players reacted to the Pulisic situation. Charlie Davis described the reaction being too negative.

There was controversy with discussions around the USMNT lately, and Balboa believes social media has played a big part in the negative discussion.

Marcelo Balboa on Christian Pulisic Criticism

Balbao believes that negativity attracts like and engagement, hence why the Pulisic negativity has sparked during the summer. Balboa defends Pulisic and other players ahead of the 2026 World Cup despite missing the Gold Cup.

Marcelo Balboa: "I think we cross the line sometimes. We all want to see soccer grow. We want this team to do well. Tell me what good does it do, beating up Christian Pulisic every day, or Tyler Adams, or Weston McKennie. It makes no sense, man. It makes no sense to me."

He makes a bold claim towards the people who critique Pulisic and other players, as he believes a line has been crossed this summer. Balboa believes there is a difference between critical and an 'idiot'.

Marcelo Balboa: "We wanted this kind of pressure as athletes. We never had it in soccer, and now we have it. So I understand it. But I think there's a fine line of being negative and being an idiot, and being critical of certain people.... Win or lose, I've got here back and I always will."