USWNT legends pay tribute to Carli Lloyd on storied career

USWNT legends paid tribute on Tuesday as one of their own, Carli Lloyd, appeared in her final international game.

Lloyd has had a storied career alongside storied players, who penned their gratitude to Lloyd for all she had done for the USWNT and U.S. soccer.

Brandi Chastain thanked Lloyd “for sharing your impeccable career full of skill, unapologetic desire and care for the USA crest!”

Thank you @CarliLloyd for sharing your impeccable career full of skill, unapologetic desire and care for the USA crest! Humbly watching a legend take her last strides across the best stage, a canvas of plush green grass. And my nieces get to be there to witness it. ❤️ 🇺🇸 ⚽️

— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) October 27, 2021

Mia Hamm, who sits one ahead of Lloyd on the all-time leading goal scorers list, congratulated her on a “historic career.”

“You have raised the standards for all,” she wrote.

Congrats @CarliLloyd on a historic career! You have raised the standards for all . Enjoy the night, embrace the love, and thank you for all you have given to the game.

— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) October 26, 2021

Kristine Lilly shared a throwback featuring Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, congratulating Lloyd on “a great career.”

@CarliLloyd congrats on a great career! Enjoy the night! Here’s to the next chapter! @USWNT #memories #team #lockerroom #travel #fun #soccer @mPinoe @HeatherOReilly @LoriLindsey6 pic.twitter.com/xfBORfRfvJ

— Kristine Lilly (@KristineLilly) October 26, 2021

Heather O’Reilly said Lloyd “earned” the right to enjoy her last game “with grit and focus and FIRE in your soul.”

“Have faith and peace that those around you will carry on that flame now because you showed them how,” she continued. “The team will forever be better because you were on it!”

This is dope. Enjoy it tomorrow @CarliLloyd! You earned it with grit and focus and FIRE in your soul. And have faith and peace that those around you will carry on that flame now because you showed them how. The team will forever be better because you were on it! https://t.co/YYA9KOnGDY

— Heather O'Reilly (@HeatherOReilly) October 26, 2021

Lloyd retired from the USWNT as the second-most capped player in team history with 316 appearances (behind Kristine Lilly’s 354). She is best known for showing up on the biggest stage, having scored the game-winning goals in two Olympics and her iconic hat trick in the 2015 World Cup Final.