The internet has not been kind to USWNT legend Carli Lloyd recently. It was only a few days ago that she made a comparison between Lionel Messi and USMNT ace Christian Pulisic. Describing Messi as a generational talent, Lloyd revealed that the likes of Bellingham and Pulisic are also incredible talents. Unsurprisingly, soccer fans were not happy at putting the two former Borussia Dortmund players up with La Pulga. Yet, despite the barrage of online abuse hurled at her, Lloyd doesn’t seem shy of expressing her admiration for the USMNT playmaker.

In the recent Copa America match between USMNT and Bolivia, Christian Pulisic continued from where he left off. The winger scored as the USMNT kickstarted their Copa campaign with a 2-0 win. It seems Lloyd enjoyed the performance of the AC Milan star. She tweeted on X, “That was Pulisic! On a different level right now.” Notably, she had turned off the comment section after the recent hate comments aimed at her after the Lionel Messi-Pulisic tweet.

As a matter of fact, following her controversial tweet, Lloyd had put up another tweet to clarify her take. She wrote, “(Lionel)Messi has and will always be in league of his own. There will never be another Pele, Maradona or Messi. Other stars could shine during these tournaments.” According to the pundit, Pulisic and Bellingham are some of these ‘stars’ that could light up tournaments.

Moreover, despite being busy with the preparations even Christian Pulisic has noticed the Lionel Messi comparisons. Just like Lloyd, even Pulisic had to endure his fair share of trolls. But the USMNT ace stands unfazed by the criticism.

Here’s how Christian Pulisic reacted after the Lionel Messi comparison

For Pulisic, the priority is in the USMNT doing well rather than his self-image. The AC Milan star has the confidence to lead the attack and win games. He recently said as per ESPN, “For me, it’s really important to lead by just the way I conduct myself every single day in training, around the hotel, around the guys. Also what I do on the field, in the game, and show them that way.”

As far as Pulisic is concerned, it’s not the talk but the walk that matters. He added that he hopes to be an example for everyone through his work ethic which could have a ‘domino effect’ on the squad. If he continues to perform as he did against Bolivia, then even the hardcore Lionel Messi fans might forgive Carli Lloyd. What are your predictions for the USMNT in Copa America 2024? Let us know below.