The current United States men’s national team (USMNT) is arguably considered the best American soccer side in history. And the USMNT is currently filled with players from Major League Soccer (MLS), with most of its superstars playing in Europe.
And, a pundit has insisted that players like Christian Pulisic will never move to the MLS.
Christian Pulisic, Top USMNT Stars Told To Play for Clubs in Europe
During a recent conversation with GOAL, former Italy and Manchester United ace Giuseppe Rossi was asked if a top American player can ever grow properly by staying in the MLS. He was adamant in his response, saying, “That is a big challenge but the real football is played in Europe. Real football is played in Europe. That’s where everybody wants to be.”
Rossi, who represented Italy 30 times after being born in Teaneck, New Jersey, also stated that the MLS must learn from the top European soccer leagues to grow further.
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“The big league here in America is the MLS. The MLS is run like an American sport, but we have to remember that football is an international sport. You could run the NFL, you could run the NBA, you could run baseball in an American way… because it’s an American sport. Those are three American sports, but football is an international sport,” Rossi added.
The former Villarreal and Fiorentina star further urged top USMNT stars like Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Antonee Robinson to continue playing in Europe.
“And therefore… (the MLS) has a long, long way to go to be at the same level of a Premier League, of a Serie A, of a Bundesliga. And rightfully so, (top players) should aspire to play in Europe,” Rossi, who played in the MLS with Real Salt Lake in 2020, commented.
Rossi concluded, “(The MLS does not have) the right structure to attract young players, to develop, to keep around. I think it’s great for owners… but I don’t like things that are built from the top down. I’m always a believer of building from the bottom up.”
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Meanwhile, USMNT hero Pulisic is focused on helping Serie A giants AC Milan qualify for the UEFA Champions League next campaign. His eight goals in 20 league matches have helped Milan consolidate the second spot in the 2025-26 Serie A standings so far.
After the end of the ongoing European campaign, the 27-year-old forward will represent his national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held from Jun. 11 to Jul. 19.
