Football superstar Lionel Messi smiled when U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo during a speech at the White House on March 5.
Messi and his teammates from Inter Miami including CF Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paulvisited the White House to be honored after winning the 2025 MLS Cup.
A screenshot from a White House video shows Lionel Messi smiling when U.S. President Donald Trump praises Cristiano Ronaldo during a White House ceremony on March 5, 2026. |
During his welcome remarks, Trump shook Messi’s hand and said: “It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel.”
The U.S. president said his son, Barron Trump, is a fan of Messi and also greatly admires Ronaldo, his long-time rival.
“My son is a big fan of yours,” Trump told Messi. “He thinks you’re just a great person. And I think you got to meet a little while ago. 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.”
When Trump mentioned Ronaldo, Messi and his teammates laughed. The Argentine star kept smiling as the president continued to praise the Portuguese striker.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks when receiving Cristiano Ronaldo and his Inter Miami teammates at the White House on March 5, 2026. Video courtesy of the White House
Trump also hosted Ronaldo at the White House in November, about a week after the Al Nassr FC striker said he hoped to meet the U.S. president.
During the speech in front of Inter Miami, Trump mentioned football legend Pelé and revived the long-running debate in the sport over who is greater, Messi or Pelé. “You may be better than Pele,” Trump asked as he turned to the Inter Miami players. “Who’s better?”
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