Alexi Lalas has stern message for USWNT after World Cup flameout

Alexi Lalas had one message for the U.S. Women’s National Team after flaming out in the 2023 Women’s World Cup: Sometimes the truth hurts.

Lalas took to Twitter on Sunday after the U.S. lost to Sweden in the knockout round on penalty kicks to deliver this stinging message:

“Don’t kill the messenger. This #USWNT is polarizing. Politics, causes, stances, & behavior have made this team unlikeable to a portion of America. This team has built its brand and has derived its power from being the best/winning. If that goes away they risk becoming irrelevant,” the retired soccer star-turned-Fox Sports analyst posted.

Lalas is referencing the sentiment held by some that the USWNT, which has won the past two World Cups, has turned off some Americans after watching players refusing to sing the national anthem.

Many, including former President Donald Trump, went after Megan Rapinoe, who could only smile after missing her penalty kick in her final act representing the United States on the global stage.

“That’s like a sick, sick joke. I’ve never hit it over, when I miss they are saved. That’s why I had that smile on my face,” Rapinoe said. “I’m like, ‘You’ve got to be f–king kidding me.’ I’m going to miss a penalty?’ Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I missed.”

Carli Lloyd, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, previously put her former squad on blast after eking its way out of the group stage with a pair of draws.

Lloyd said she was taken aback by the USWNT’s lack of drive and intensity, with players more focused on selfies than scoring.

“I have never witnessed something like that. There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family,” said Lloyd, who is a studio analyst during the Women’s World Cup for FOX Sports.

“But to be dancing, to be smiling. I mean, the player of the match was that post. You were lucky to not be going home right now.”

Lloyd’s comments came after the U.S. closed out group play with a scoreless draw vs. Portugal.

The USWNT finished second in Group E with five points –– its worst-ever performance in a World Cup group stage.

Lloyd’s criticism of the team didn’t sit well with manager Vlatko Andonovski.

“To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness, the willingness to win, I think it’s insane,” Andonovski said.

The will to win wasn’t enough for the U.S., which turned in another lackluster performance, failing to score vs. Sweden in the Round of 16.

This is the first time the USWNT was eliminated before the semifinals at the Women’s World Cup.