Alexi Lalas appeared to attack Megan Rapinoe on X, after she criticized American soccer player Korbin Albert for an anti-LGBT post on TikTok.
Albert apologized in a separate statement on social media Thursday after sharing a now-deleted post in which Albert was from a Christian worship space and discussed how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong.
LGBTQ+ advocate Megan Rapinoe led, though she did not specifically mention Albert, criticism of her on social media on Thursday, but The Athletic said Rapinoe had confirmed it was directed at Albert.
On Friday, Lalas, who played 96 times for the men’s team in the ’90s, addressed X and responded to fans asking for his opinion.
He first retweeted an OutKick post that referenced Rapinoe’s history of mocking Christianity, and then responded to a fan about Albert: “She apologized and is a talented young American player with a bright future.
Alexi Lalas has defended Korbin Albert after a Megan Rapinoe-led backlash against her
Megan Rapinoe (pictured with fiancee Sue Bird) led criticism of Albert on social media
Albert, who plays for the Paris Saint-Germain soccer club in France, is a rising star for the USWNT.
‘But if there is any test of purity for the #USWNT, I would like to see it. Because I would like to add some questions.’
He then shared a highlight clip from Albert’s career and said: ‘Korbin Albert, 20, playing for PSG, is part of a new young generation of #USWNT players. The future is bright.’
Albert de Lalas’s views risked creating conflict on American teams in the future.
‘If we needed every player to like, respect and/or agree with everyone on their team, we would never play a game. The players are ruthless… at least the good ones,” he stated.
‘Maybe she’s not part of the best collection of players. But that best compilation is based on results.
“You don’t have to like your teammates, you just have to believe they can do the job.” Great players are ruthless. They compartmentalize, forgive and/or forget in exchange for winning.”
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner with the United States in her playing career, tore her Achilles tendon in her final game as a player, on OL Reign. She later said that her injury was proof that God does not exist.
Last year, when the United States crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 16 on penalties to Sweden (Rapinoe laughed after missing her own penalty), Lalas said she hoped the USWNT would become more palatable in the new era without Rapinoe.
Rapinoe criticized Albert in a statement on her own Instagram account this week.
Alexi Lalas was critical of Rapinoe on social networks, although without naming her directly
‘Don’t kill the messenger. This #USWNT is polarizing,” he stated. ‘Politics, causes, stances and behavior have made this team unpalatable to a portion of America.
‘This team has built its brand and gained its power to be the best/win. “If that goes away, they risk becoming irrelevant.”
Rapinoe, like most of her U.S. teammates, did not sing the national anthem before games. She also knelt during the national anthem during her time as an international player.
In a post on his Instagram Story on Thursday night, Albert, 20, wrote: “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media.” Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive, and hurtful was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intention.
“I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply regret the harm I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who has been offended.”
When Rapinoe got injured in her last game, she said it was proof that God doesn’t exist.
‘I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on every field of play. I know that my actions have not been up to par and for that I sincerely apologize.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
It came after Rapinoe’s statement, which read: “To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs,’ I would just ask one question: Are you making any moment in space safer, more inclusive, more complete, something resembling something better, bringing the best of anyone? …because if you’re not, the only thing you believe in is hate.
‘And children are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake up TF! Sincerely, #15.’