Christian Pulisic, the captain of the United States men's national soccer team, was notably absent from AC Milan's preseason friendly against Celtic FC in Glasgow on July 25. Instead, the 27-year-old winger was spotted enjoying a night out on Nashville's Lower Broadway, reportedly at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, alongside country music star Megan Moroney. This sighting has ignited widespread dating rumors, as the pair were seen sharing smiles in the outdoor VIP section, according to video shared by Whiskey Riff. It marks the second time this month the two have been seen together, following a backstage meeting at Moroney's Cloud 9 tour stop in Miami earlier in July, where Pulisic brought his cousin and posed for photos with the singer.

Pulisic's Injury and Absence from Milan

Pulisic's absence from the match against Celtic was officially attributed to a leg injury sustained during the World Cup. In the Round of 16, the USMNT faced Belgium, and Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and microfracture in his right tibia and fibula after colliding with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans. The injury forced him out of the game, and he has been recovering ever since. AC Milan's medical staff have set a target for his return to training at Milanello around July 29, alongside fellow World Cup returnees Santiago Giménez and Rafael Leão.

The injury itself has become a secondary talking point, as Pulisic's own comments about finally getting a break drew sharp criticism from former USWNT star Carli Lloyd, who publicly questioned his toughness. Landon Donovan also weighed in, expressing frustration with how Pulisic's status is handled by the program, insisting he would have played through the pain. This criticism follows earlier backlash when Pulisic skipped the CONCACAF Gold Cup to rest after two demanding seasons with Milan.

Dating Rumors with Megan Moroney

The dating rumors between Pulisic and Moroney have been fueled by their public interactions and social media activity. Both follow each other on Instagram, and Moroney recently addressed her love life in an interview with Cosmopolitan, hinting that touring keeps her focused but leaving the door open after her tour concludes in October. Pulisic split from professional golfer Alexa Melton in April, a breakup that played out publicly. The Nashville outing is the strongest indication yet of a romantic connection, as the pair were seen in a relaxed setting, trading smiles over music.

Milan's Performance Without Pulisic

AC Milan's match at Celtic Park ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Scottish side taking a 2-0 lead through Camilo Durán and James Forrest before 18-year-old Francesco Camarda scored a penalty and then equalized. The match marked the debut of new manager Ruben Amorim, who is implementing a 3-4-2-1 formation. Amorim has already outlined plans for Pulisic's role once healthy, stating he sees the American as an inverted winger on the left. Milan's next preseason test is against Inter Milan in Australia, again without Pulisic.

The draw against Celtic highlighted Milan's need for depth in the absence of key players. Other missing stars included Christopher Nkunku and Pervis Estupinan, who did not travel due to minor issues. The young forward Camarda impressed, but the team struggled to create chances without Pulisic's creativity. Amorim acknowledged the challenges, saying, "We are still building our identity, and injuries are part of the process."

Background on Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic emerged as a teenage sensation at Borussia Dortmund, where he became the youngest non-German to score in the Bundesliga. He transferred to Chelsea in 2019 for a reported €64 million, becoming the most expensive American player ever. At Chelsea, he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, though his time was marred by injuries. In 2024, he moved to AC Milan, where he quickly became a fan favorite with his pace and technical skill. His leadership of the USMNT has been marked by high expectations, but the team's disappointing World Cup performances in 2022 and 2026 have drawn criticism. Pulisic's injury in the 2026 World Cup—the second time he was injured in a major tournament—has raised questions about his durability.

Off the field, Pulisic has become a celebrity figure, with endorsement deals and a growing Instagram following. His relationship with Moroney, a rising country star known for songs like Tennessee Orange, adds to his media profile. Moroney's music often draws on personal experiences, and fans are speculating whether Pulisic might inspire new material.

Reactions from US Soccer Legends

The backlash from Carli Lloyd and Landon Donovan reflects a broader frustration with the USMNT's recent failures. Lloyd, a two-time World Cup winner, did not mince words: "If he's hurt, he's hurt, but the way he talked about it showed a lack of grit." Donovan echoed this on his podcast, saying the program is "exhausted" with managing Pulisic's status. However, some have defended Pulisic, noting the severity of his injury and the need for rest to avoid long-term damage. The debate highlights the pressure on American soccer's biggest star as the team looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup.

Pulisic has not responded to the criticism, focusing on his recovery. His presence in Nashville suggests he is using his time off to relax, though the timing has raised eyebrows. Milan fans are eager to see him back in action, but Amorim's plans offer hope for a productive season. The club's next friendlies will test their depth before the Serie A season begins in August.

The combination of injury recovery, dating rumors, and public criticism makes this a pivotal moment for Pulisic. His return to the field will be closely watched, as will his relationship with Moroney. For now, the American star remains a tabloid fixture while his team competes without him.

Source: Yahoo Sports News