United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh debate in global football after telling Argentine superstar Lionel Messi that he “may be better than Pelé” during a White House reception for Inter Miami CF.
Messi and his teammates visited the White House in Washington, D.C., following the club’s triumph in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup, in keeping with the longstanding tradition of championship teams being honoured by the U.S. president.
While addressing the players and guests, Trump praised Messi’s remarkable career and acknowledged the long-running debate about football’s greatest player.
The president also referenced Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as a “great player,” before turning to Messi and suggesting that the Argentine icon might even surpass Brazilian legend Pelé.
The remark drew laughter and applause from those in attendance, with Trump also jokingly asking some of the players present who they believed was the greatest footballer of all time.
During the ceremony, Messi presented the U.S. president with a signed Inter Miami jersey and football as a token of appreciation.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, has won numerous titles and individual honours, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards and the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
His arrival in the United States and subsequent success with Inter Miami has significantly boosted the profile of Major League Soccer globally.
The White House visit also highlighted football’s growing influence in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment