EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 1H 4M
Is Messi Worth MLS’ Massive Salary? Christian Pulisic Joins & 5 USMNT Stars Must Step Up at the 2026 World Cup
from The Cooligans · host Alexis Guerreros & Christian Polanco, Christian Polanco, Alexis Guerreros, Christian Pulisic
MLS salary numbers are officially out and the results are wild. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi making more money than 28 entire MLS teams and debate whether his arrival has truly been worth the investment for the league. The boys also discuss MLS potentially loosening salary cap restrictions and whether spending more freely would actually improve the quality and competitiveness of American soccer. Then, USMNT captain and AC Milan superstar Christian Pulisic joins The Cooligans! Pulisic talks about preparing for the biggest World Cup of his career, partnering with Michelob Ultra for their latest FIFA World Cup campaign, and how he handles the nonstop pressure and criticism that comes with being the face of American soccer. He also shares a memorable story about Gregg Berhalter and the advice that helped elevate his game to another level. Finally, the guys look ahead to the World Cup and identify the five USMNT players who will need to deliver if the United States hopes to make history on home soil. Which stars are ready for the spotlight? Who could become the breakout hero of the tournament? And does this current squad have what it takes to change the way the world views American soccer forever? Timestamps: (7:30) - Is Messi’s salary worth it for MLS? (30:00) - Christian Pulisic joins the Cooligans (43:15) - 5 USMNT players who must step up at the World Cup Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv
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What this episode covers
The latest episode of The Cooligans dives into the biggest conversations surrounding American soccer right now. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the eye-popping MLS salary numbers, including Lionel Messi earning more than 28 entire MLS rosters combined, and debate whether his impact justifies the price tag. Then USMNT and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic joins the show to discuss the pressure of leading the U.S. into a home World Cup, his new Michelob Ultra World Cup campaign, and the valuable lessons he learned from Gregg Berhalter. The episode wraps with the guys naming the five USMNT players who absolutely must step up if the United States wants to make a deep World Cup run.
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Is Messi Worth MLS’ Massive Salary? Christian Pulisic Joins & 5 USMNT Stars Must Step Up at the 2026 World Cup
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