“I’m Not Going to Disappear Completely” – After Firing Back at ‘Fake’ Donald Trump, Megan Rapinoe Details Retirement Plans

While the USWNT had a disappointing World Cup campaign, former star Megan Rapinoe will go down in history as one of the best players in the team’s history. After announcing her retirement just before the 2023 FIFA World Cup, the USWNT legend recently shared what she will do after retirement. 

Rapinoe played a crucial role in the team’s success in 2015 and 2019, with Team USA emerging as the most dominant team in women’s soccer. Soon after getting eliminated by Sweden in this World Cup’s round of 16 tie, the USWNT veteran was outright slammed in the media. However, Rapinoe managed it gracefully and responded to it by scoring a penalty kick last night in her NWSL match for OL Reigns. 

Megan Rapinoe shares retirement plans

Recently, Rapinoe was asked about her retirement plans in a press conference after the match. She humorously responded, “Massage, probably just go on vacation. I will do that.” She added, “I am not going to disappear completely. I feel like I’ll still be minus the playing, doing a lot of the same stuff that I’m doing right now.”

The USWNT legend then detailed her plans after retirement, saying, “I think one of the most rewarding parts about my career is just to see how the game has changed and how much it’s grown. You know this atmosphere didn’t exist when I started playing so hopefully, continue to be an impactful person, and you know sort of character and not just women’s soccer but women’s sports at large.”

Despite her invaluable contributions, Megan Rapinoe was the target of heavy criticism following USWNT’s exit. Former US President Donald Trump, amongst others, slammed Rapinoe for the team’s failure to win a historic three-peat. 

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Donald Trump and Megan Rapinoe have had a long-standing dispute, with the duo taking shots at each other following the drama in 2019. Rapinoe, following the World Cup win in 2019, decided to skip a White House visit, which infuriated the former President.

Donald Trump did not hold back against Rapinoe

Following their unexpected exit from the World Cup, the veteran Megan Rapinoe bore the brunt of the blame as she failed to convert a decisive penalty kick. Former US President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with Rapinoe. Drawing analogies between her lapse and the perceived prevalence of ‘wokeness’ in America. His political statements took a direct aim at Megan’s individual beliefs, her penalty miss, and Joe Biden’s presidency.

While Megan Rapinoe maintained her silence for a while, the player eventually responded to ‘fake’ Trump. She mentioned that the lack of support made the team lose confidence. Despite not being over the World Cup exit, USWNT fans will be happy that their legend has bounced back. Her determination has solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in women’s sports.

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