PARIS _ A lot happened in Megan Rapinoe's life in the days leading up to the United States' clash with France in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Sure, she was preparing for that big game like the rest of her teammates, which meant training in nearly 100-degree weather and partaking in interviews and news conferences. She also was getting called out on social media by the president of the United States, which meant an onslaught of opinions, praise, criticism, love and hate _ a microscope focused closely on her.
A day before the game, she said it wouldn't affect her focus. During the game, she proved that by scoring twice to lead the U.S. to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over France. After the game, she said she was motivated by love not hate.
"I don't really get energized by haters or all that. I feel like there's more people that love me, so I'm more energized by that," Rapinoe said during a postgame interview with reporters.
When asked if playing in the World Cup during Pride week motivated her, and if it felt good giving that performance the night before Paris held its 2019 Pride parade, Rapinoe responded energetically, "Go gays!"
"You can't win a championship without gays on your team. It's never been done before, ever. Science right there," she joked before continuing. "Yeah, I mean, I'm motivated by people like me and people who are fighting for the same things, and I take more energy from that than trying to prove everyone wrong all the time. That's sort of draining to me. So, yeah, to be gay and fabulous during pride month at the World Cup is nice."
Rapinoe, who became the first gay athlete featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, has scored five goals during the World Cup, trying her with teammate Alex Morgan and Australia's Sam Kerr for the most in the tournament. In 16 World Cup appearances, Rapinoe has been directly involved in 14 goals with eight scores and six assists, according to U.S. Soccer. The U.S. also hasn't lost a game Rapinoe has scored in since 2014.
Morgan called Rapinoe "an amazing teammate and just like the heart of this team."
"I really enjoy playing with her," Morgan said. "So everything that has been going on is just noise."
