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via Getty

The FIFA Women’s World Cup ended shockingly for the USWNT as Megan Rapinoe missed a crucial penalty. She blazed her penalty kick over the bar and ended USA’s hopes of completing a three-peat. Therefore, she received criticism from all corners of the North American continent, with one personality famous for having a personal battle with her. Earlier, Donald Trump and Rapinoe had personal jabs with each other, and Trump took to social media to blame her. However, to her surprise, one player from Wrexham stood out to provide her some relief. 

Paul Mullin, who is nursing a punctured lung injury after his nasty collision, offered encouragement. The player injured himself during the pre-season friendly match against Manchester United. And he showed his empathetic side by supporting the USWNT soccer star. He even mentioned how the famous Lionel Messi missed penalties!

Wrexham AFC’s Paul Mullin supports Megan Rapinoe after the shocking penalty miss!

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Rapinoe, who had not missed a penalty in five years, stepped up to take the kick during the US-Sweden shootout when the score was 3-2. Her technique is immaculate, but this time, she shot over the right-sided crossbar, to the surprise of the soccer fraternity. The USWNT lost the game and got knocked out in the Round of 16. Most fans quickly stamped her as a scapegoat, and Rapinoe fit the bill perfectly for her polarizing character. 

Yet, Wrexham AFC’s star striker Mullin came out to show his support. According to Athletic, he stated“I remember being asked about that miss afterwards. I said if Lionel Messi — the greatest player to grace our game — can miss penalties, then of course I can. Missing is part of the game. And missing on the world stage is something no player will feel proud of in the moment. But they had to be there to miss them. Rapinoe, Smith and O’Hara all had to make it to the World Cup for the opportunity to score in it. And most players never even get close.” 

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During a time when Messi failed to win a trophy with Argentina, he missed a crucial penalty against Chile as the team lost in the final. In the aftermath of that fiasco, Messi announced his retirement from the team, but made a triumphant comeback and led them to victory in the 2022 World Cup. As Paul showed his support, Donald Trump did not miss the opportunity to criticize her. 

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Donald Trump locks horns with Rapinoe

After the disappointing loss, Trump took to Truth Social App to voice his opinions. He compared the USWNT’s loss to Joe Biden’s reign in the USA, taking a sly dig at the current president. But, the comments that took the netizens by storm as that of Rapinoe.

via Imago

Trump stated, “Many of our players were openly hostile to America- No other country behaved in such a manner, or even close. WOKE EQUALS FAILURE. Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!! MAGA.” Thus, all hell broke loose. Rapinoe also received criticism for smiling after her penalty miss, as fans found it hard to support. Nonetheless, Wrexham star Mullin stayed by her side, showing his lighter side!

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