An ex-U.S. soccer player is supporting rivals Mexico at the Russia World Cup. Landon Donovan, 35, played for the USA national team 157 times, scoring 57 goals. He is regarded as the best American player ever. However, his calls for Americans to back Mexico have landed him in hot water. Some ex-teammates have criticized him for getting paid by the company Wells Fargo to wear a Mexico soccer jersey. He tweeted a photograph of himself that read: "My other team is Mexico....So join me...to cheer on our other team - Mexico."
Donovan explained why he is cheering for Mexico. He grew up in California and speaks fluent Spanish. He said: "My heart bleeds red, white and blue....No one should question my allegiance to and support of U.S. Soccer." He said he was inspired by the passion of playing with Mexican teammates as a child. He added: "I always have had a strong connection and respect for our neighbor." One current U.S. player 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."