The decision by Christian Pulisic to skip the 2025 Gold Cup has sparked considerable debate within the USMNT community, with former players and pundits weighing in on the implications for the team. Alexi Lalas has been among the most vocal, questioning Pulisic's choice and its potential impact on the team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Pulisic's absence comes at a time when the USMNT is under pressure to perform well, especially after their recent failure in the Concacaf Nations League. The Gold Cup is seen as a crucial benchmark for the team as they prepare to co-host the World Cup next year. With Pulisic opting for rest after a demanding season with AC Milan, the team will be without their captain and arguably their most influential player.
Lalas has expressed his disappointment, stating that he doesn't understand how a player can turn down the chance to represent his country when needed most, especially at such a crucial time. He believes that Pulisic's absence is a blow to both the player's image and the team, as the tournament presented a perfect opportunity to build experience and momentum ahead of the World Cup. Lalas emphasized the limited time available to prepare for the World Cup, making Pulisic's decision even more questionable in his eyes.
To further illustrate his point, Lalas drew a comparison with Lionel Messi, highlighting that despite a similarly grueling schedule, Messi has consistently prioritized representing Argentina in important competitions. Lalas acknowledged that the demands on players today are significant, but he also pointed out the advantages and comforts available to modern players compared to previous generations.
However, some have defended Pulisic's decision, citing the heavy workload he has endured over the past two seasons. At 26 years old, Pulisic is coming off a career year with AC Milan, where he led the team in goals and points. He also played in 50 matches, logging a career-high in minutes. The physical toll of these commitments has led to concerns about potential burnout and the need for adequate rest to ensure he is in peak condition for the World Cup.
USMNT sporting director Matt Crocker explained that Pulisic's exclusion was a joint decision made by the player and the coaching staff, taking into account his workload and the importance of managing his fitness for the long term. This decision also comes as other key players like Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah are also unavailable for the Gold Cup, further impacting the team's composition.
Despite Pulisic's absence, Lalas still expects the USMNT to perform well in the Gold Cup. He acknowledged that the team has won the tournament in the past with squads that were not considered their "A team." While winning the Gold Cup would provide a morale boost and a sense of accomplishment, Lalas emphasized that the ultimate goal is to prepare for the challenges of the World Cup.
The situation has also stirred up some controversy between former USMNT stars, with Landon Donovan seemingly criticizing Pulisic's decision to prioritize rest. This led to a response from Pulisic's father, Mark, and sparked a broader debate about the commitment of current players to the national team.
Ultimately, Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup reflects a growing trend among top players to prioritize their physical well-being and manage their workloads effectively. Whether this decision will prove beneficial for the USMNT in the long run remains to be seen. The team will need to find a way to succeed in the Gold Cup without their star player, while Pulisic will aim to return stronger and more prepared for the challenges of the upcoming World Cup.
