Lionel Messi found himself in a hilariously awkward moment while visiting the White House after Donald Trump unexpectedly brought up his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a speech. The moment quickly went viral on social media as fans analyzed Messi’s smiling reaction while Trump praised both soccer icons.
The Argentine superstar was at the White House with Inter Miami CF after the club won the MLS Cup. During the ceremony, Trump revealed that his son Barron is a big admirer of Messi while also mentioning Ronaldo, prompting laughter and curiosity among fans online.
Read the full article
Watch the video here:
DONALD TRUMP: “Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi
My son said to me, “Dad, do you know who’s going to be here today?”
I replied, “No, I have a lot going on.”
And he said to me: “Messi!”
He is your big fan and a man named Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/Jit1AaKYbh— Naninho (@SrNaninho) March 5, 2026
“My son said to me, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be here today?’ Trump said. “So I said, ‘No, I’ve got a lot going on right now… He said to me, ‘Lionel Messi! He’s a big fan of yours and a gentleman named Cristiano Ronaldo,'” Trump said.
“Cristiano is great, you are great. Great champions! Great athletes in their sport. They love what they do and they do it very well,” he added.
As Trump mentioned Ronaldo during the speech, Messi was caught on camera smiling politely, a reaction that quickly went viral on social media. The moment amused fans, especially given the long-standing rivalry between the two global superstars that has dominated football discussions for more than a decade.
WHY DID MESSI MET DONALD TRUMP?
Messi visited the White House as part of a traditional ceremony where the president honors winning American teams. Inter Miami was invited following their 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2025 MLS Cup Final.
Donald Trump: “It is my privilege to say what no American president has ever had the opportunity to say: welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi!”
pic.twitter.com/g4IgbIdhSE— We Are Messi (@WeAreMessi) March 5, 2026
Messi played a key role in the triumph, providing two assists in the final as Miami lifted its first league title. The Argentinian forward, who also won the league MVP award twice, led a delegation of players during the visit.
Messi presented Trump with a special pink soccer ball as a souvenir from the club during the ceremony.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 6, 2026 1:16 PM IST
