US President sparks football debate while hosting Inter Miami stars in Washington
United States President Donald Trump stirred debate among football fans after praising both Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé during a White House reception honouring Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates.
The event held on Thursday celebrated Inter Miami’s historic Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup victory, the club’s first league title since its establishment.
Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, attended the ceremony alongside his teammates as the White House recognised their achievement.
Trump’s Son Sparks Messi Conversation
During the reception at the White House, Trump shared a personal story about how his son alerted him to Messi’s presence at the event.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’”
Trump added that his son is an avid football fan who admires both Messi and Ronaldo.
“So he’s a big soccer fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great,” the president said while addressing Messi.
Comparing Messi With Pelé
The US president also brought up Brazilian football icon Pelé, who famously played in the United States for the New York Cosmos during the later years of his career.
“You may be better than Pelé,” Trump remarked before turning to the audience and asking, “Who’s better?”
The comment sparked laughter and applause in the room, while also reviving the age-old debate among football fans over who deserves the title of the greatest player in history.
Messi’s First White House Visit
Thursday’s event marked Messi’s first visit to the White House, a milestone moment in the Argentine star’s career in the United States.
It also comes months after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo attended a White House dinner last November, highlighting the growing influence of global football stars in American sporting culture.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami has significantly boosted the profile of Major League Soccer, drawing global attention to the league and helping the club secure its first MLS Cup title.
