A former U.S. soccer player has justified his support rivals Mexico the Russia World Cup. Landon Donovan, 35, played the USA national team 157 times, scoring 57 goals. He is widely regarded as the best American player ever. However, his calls fellow Americans to back rivals Mexico the World Cup have landed him hot water. Many his ex-teammates have further criticized him accepting payment from the company Wells Fargo exchange for wearing a Mexico soccer jersey. He tweeted a photograph himself with a scarf that read: "My other team is Mexico. The tournament is here. USA fans, our team may not be Russia, but our neighbors to the south are. So join me...to cheer our other team - Mexico."
Donovan explained why he wanted people to cheer Mexico. He grew in California and speaks fluent Spanish. He said: "My heart bleeds red, white and blue and no one should ever question my allegiance to and support U.S. Soccer and its national teams. That being said, having grown east Los Angeles playing Mexican teammates whose passion...inspired me a very young age....I always have had a strong connection and respect our neighbor." Current U.S. player Claudia Soto said: "I don't understand why he is doing this. Actually, I do - money." A Mexican fan said: "There are two guys that Mexico fans love to hate. Donald Trump and Landon Donovan."
