Carli Lloyd remains caught up in the line of fire. Earlier, the USWNT icon offered a controversial take on Lionel Messi and Christian Pulisic which saw her become a subject of criticism on the internet. While the online beef doesn’t seem to have cooled off, Lloyd now has been forced to defend herself from the trolls and abuses of the netizens, insisting there is no ‘right or wrong when it’s an opinion.’

The 41-year-old had first taken names like Messi, Diego Maradona, Jude Bellingham, and Pulisic—all in one sentence—making her a scapegoat. However, the former Houston Dash now came up with a fresh take on X: “You all need to relax and chill out. Messi has and will always be in league of his own. There will never be another Pele, Maradona, or Messi. There are other stars that could shine during these tournaments. Bellingham, Pulisic, Musiala, Vinicius Junior. I won’t tolerate abusive language toward me so ✌🏼.”

This again became a focal point for criticism aimed at the ex-forward, as a user named @chrissBFC insisted that this situation wouldn’t have arisen if she had avoided mentioning Pulisic’s name alongside such iconic names. Interestingly, Lloyd savagely replied, “I can bring up whoever I want. I’m the one on TV not you…and 🇺🇸 brightest star is Pulisic.” Well, her responses didn’t end there!

Another user named @Cgarry1022 wrote that despite his love for Lloyd as a player, her comments were not only ‘stupid‘ and ‘wrong,‘ but were also ’embarrassing.’ However, Lloyd remained adamant about her opinion and defended her by responding, “I’m not wrong. There is no right or wrong when it’s an opinion and I expect Pulisic to shine in Copa America for 🇺🇸.” While Lloyd is fighting her battles alone, Pulisic is rather focused on something else!

Despite a controversial take from Carli Lloyd, Christian Pulisic focused on starting a ‘domino effect’

Aside from Carli Lloyd, Christian Pulisic had also become a subject of trolls. However, the AC Milan forward is unfazed by the criticism and is more keen towards leading the USMNT to glory in the ongoing Copa America 2024. Speaking to ESPN, Pulisic emphasized the importance of leading by example through his daily conduct on the pitch as well as with his teammates. Moreover, the 25-year-old further stated that he prefers to let his actions speak for themselves.

Refusing to say anything on the online trolls, Pulisic is instead focusing on putting his head down and working hard, hoping that it would come to people’s notice and would also help in creating a ‘domino effect on everyone.’ Certainly, a keen pragmatic and collective approach from the former Chelsea star. Meanwhile, in Carli Lloyd’s defense, she took his name because she would always back her fellow Americans first. 

However, the saga doesn’t seem to have cool down at the moment. Either way, let’s hope that fans understand what Lloyd has been trying to justify.