- The CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off on Saturday, June 14, with the United States and Canada sharing hosting duties.
- Former United States forward Landon Donovan is critical of players skipping the tournament to rest after a long season.
- Striker Christian Pulisic liked a post from his father, who responded via ChatGPT by talking about Donovan’s two-year absence from the USMNT.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is about to kick off on Saturday, June 14, in Inglewood, California. The tournament features the United States, Canada, Mexico, and teams from Central America and the Caribbean. Saudi Arabia is also included as guests.
There is a little controversy for the United States men’s national team. Many high-profile players, including striker Christian Pulisic, aren’t playing, opting to rest after a long club season. USMNT legend Landon Donovan isn’t a fan of those skipping the tournament and shared his opinion.
Pulisic’s father has replied via ChatGPT, kicking off a potential feud.
Pulisic’s Father Uses ChatGPT to Fire Back at Donovan
Donovan was an analyst for the UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal, and used the platform to blast players that won’t represent the United States this month.
Donovan said:
"This is what it means. And if you don't want to take this as a professional soccer player, as someone who gets the opportunity to wear that jersey and take it seriously and responsibly, then don't come in. This is what it means.
[Ronaldo is] 40 years old. He's played a long-ass season. He's tired. He's out there grinding. Hurt himself in the process, and I can't help but think about some of our guys on vacation, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It's p*ssing me off."
Even though Donovan didn’t mention his son by name, Pulisic’s father, Mark, took to ChatGPT to remind Donovan that he also stepped away from the national team. Pulisic himself liked the post.
Donovan is a USMNT legend. His 157 appearances are second only to Cobi Jones’ 164 caps. His 57 goals are tied for the most all-time with Clint Dempsey, and his 58 assists are tops. However, Donovan was left off the 2014 World Cup team after missing qualifiers, due to an extended sabbatical.
Dempsey and Eddie Johnson, two of Donovan’s USMNT teammates, criticized Donovan’s approach.
It’ll be interesting to see how Donovan responds and whether the feud will continue. In the meantime, the US is still one of the teams expected to do well in the Gold Cup.
Despite Key Absentees, Betting Odds Still Favor United States at Gold Cup
Pulisic had a long season at AC Milan in Italy and was one of the top players on the team. Fellow Milan teammate, midfielder Yunis Musah, and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson are also skipping the tournament.
However, CONCACAF Gold Cup odds at soccer betting sites are still favoring the United States, just ahead of Mexico and Canada. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will miss these three players, especially the creativity of Pulisic. The five forwards on the team have a combined 24 appearances and eight goals between them. Haji Wright has most of both, with 15 appearances and four goals.
The Americans are also experienced at the back, led by 37-year-old captain Tim Ream. The midfield will be led by Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso, who had a great season for Real Betis in Spain. It won’t be easy, but the Americans still have enough to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup!
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