US women’s soccer co-captain Megan Rapinoe has found an extra high-profile opponent to take on ahead of their crunch World Cup quarter-final against hosts France on Friday.

US President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to criticise Rapinoe for saying she would not visit the White House if the team won the World Cup.

“Psssh, I’m not going to the f…ing White House,” Rapinoe said in response to a question by a reporter from a soccer magazine when asked if she was excited about a potential White House invite.

In a video of the exchange that has since been posted on social media, Rapinoe, 33, adds, “No. I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited. I doubt it.”

Trump responded in a series of tweets after that.

“Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is ‘not going to the F…ing White House if we win’,” he said.

“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.

“Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!”

….in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2019

Rapinoe was one of the first American athletes to join former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.

Rapinoe no longer kneels after the United States Soccer Federation changed its regulations to state that players must stand during the anthem, but she does not sing or cover her heart with her hand.

Rapinoe received support from team mate Ali Krieger, who posted on twitter: “In regards to the “President’s” tweet today, I know women who you cannot control or grope anger you, but I stand by @mPinoe & will sit this one out as well. I don’t support this administration nor their fight against LGBTQ+ citizens, immigrants & our most vulnerable.”

Former US international Abby Wambach, the country’s record goalscorer added: “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. Thank you for your leadership @mPinoe. Love & Solidarity.”

Trump cancelled a White House invitation to Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles last year after the Kaepernick protests.

Trump also decided not to extend a White House invitation to either of last year’s NBA finalists, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, after the Cavaliers’ LeBron James and Warriors’ Stephen Curry said they would skip the visit.

-AAP