The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has been quite hard on the USWNT, especially on Megan Rapinoe. The forward continues to draw criticism after missing the penalty in the round of 16 against Sweden. Aside from getting slandered for being a World Cup flop, it has also disrupted her off-field activities. While it seems that many wanted the former World Champions to lose, Pinoe recently spoke about the strife they have been going through.

Rapinoe already has the baggage of her poor performance in this year’s World Cup campaign. And she talked about the struggles to fight for her cause against sexism and pay inequality.

Megan Rapinoe opens up about struggling with sexism and pay inequality

The recent ousting of the four-time champions from the World Cup triggered a surge of online attacks that extended well beyond the realm of the game. This was particularly true in the case of Rapinoe, who appears to have become the focal point of this uproar. Her missed penalty seems to have intensified the barrage of criticism she has encountered throughout her career due to her advocacy for gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, and her stance against racism and police violence.

While speaking to Sports & Rights Alliance, she said, “I don’t know why I’m not afraid. I think it’s just sort of in my personality, a little bit… and I think as I got older I started to ask myself more questions and just become more aware of what it really meant to represent America and all different aspects of it.”

“Honestly, I feel like we are a walking protest. The fact that we’re women professional athletes says that in and of itself. We’ve been feeling the inequality; we’ve been struggling with pay equality or whatever it is, or sexism in sports. So, I think when social issues have come up… it just strikes home for us,” she added. Despite advocating for such a cause, the OL Reign star continues to struggle with such social issues.

READ MORE: “Go and Win It” – Criticized by Donald Trump for Big Blunder, Megan Rapinoe Motivates Rival Star to Win the World Cup

Indeed, it’s a delicate situation for Rapinoe, as the online abuse seems to have intensified. Online abusers must understand that winning and losing are inevitable aspects of the game. Hence, they must soften their hearts against the USWNT star.

Not a great World Cup for Rapinoe

Before the tournament, Rapinoe expressed her wish to win her last World Cup with the USWNT. Subsequently, her teammates were also looking for a historic three-peat. Despite being tagged as favorites to win the golden trophy, all of their hopes and dreams were shattered. However, it was Rapinoe who must have been hurt the most, given that it was her last World Cup.

No one is individually accountable for the woeful tale of the USWNT. Everyone has a collective take on the poor display in the prestigious tournament. Unfortunately, as for Rapinoe, missing a crucial penalty is probably the only memory that she takes with her. Certainly, it wasn’t the way she wanted to conclude her international career. For now, we wish her the best in her future endeavors.

WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams