Christian Pulisic’s father, Mark, has defended his son against criticism from former U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan. Donovan had previously commented on Pulisic’s decision to sit out the Gold Cup to recover after ending his season with AC Milan. Mark Pulisic’s response highlights the ongoing debate surrounding athlete rest periods and national team commitments. The discussion has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between personal recovery and national team responsibilities in professional sports. Pulisic, a key player for both the U.S. Men’s National Team and AC Milan, has faced scrutiny over his decision to prioritize rest over international competitions. His father’s defense underscores the importance of athlete well-being in high-level sports, emphasizing that recovery is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of maintaining peak performance. The incident also raises questions about the role of veteran players like Donovan in shaping the discourse around young athletes’ choices. As the Gold Cup approaches, the U.S. team is expected to field a strong squad, though the absence of Pulisic may impact their strategy. The debate continues over whether such decisions should be subject to public scrutiny or remain a private matter between athletes and their teams.