American soccer legend Megan Rapinoe has spoken out for the first time after she missed the penalty that got the United States knocked out of the Women’s World Cup.

The two-time World Cup winner, who is now set to retire from playing for her country, talked in an Instagram post about her love for the “beautiful” game, even in its “cruelest moments.”

Rapinoe missed the crucial penalty on Sunday’s shootout against Sweden in the Round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“This game is so beautiful, even in its cruelest moments. This group was so very special, and I am immensely proud of every single one of us. This team is in special hands as I walk away, just like it always was, and always will be. Because that is what this team is all about,” Rapinoe wrote on Wednesday evening.

“It has been my honor to play for our country, with so many incredible woman, for so many years.” Rapinoe ended with: “Thank you a million times over.”

Newsweek is currently adding more details to this breaking story.

Megan Rapinoe during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. The soccer star has spoken out on Instagram since being the woman to miss the crucial penalty that got United States knocked out of the World Cup.
Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images