Lionel Messi found himself in hot water after visiting the White House this week. The Inter Miami captain attended a ceremony honoring his team's MLS Cup victory, but things took an uncomfortable turn when President Donald Trump opened the event with comments about military attacks on Iran.
The 38-year-old stood beside Trump as the president boasted about US and Israeli military action that has reportedly killed over 1,200 people. When Trump praised the attacks, saying the military continues to "totally demolish the enemy," Messi and his teammates applauded along with others in the room.
That moment sparked immediate backlash on social media. Fans and journalists criticized Messi for getting dragged into politics and appearing to support military action that has killed hundreds of children in Iran.
From Football Glory to Political Controversy
The ceremony was meant to celebrate Miami's December victory over Vancouver Whitecaps for the MLS title. Messi had just won his second consecutive MVP award, and Trump even acknowledged the historic moment by saying no American president had ever welcomed Lionel Messi to the White House before.
But the event quickly shifted from sports to geopolitics. Trump extended his political address to discuss Venezuela and potential announcements about Cuba and tariffs, all while the Argentine superstar stood silently beside him.
Spanish journalist Leyla Hamed called the scene "bizarre," pointing out that one attack in Minab, Iran, killed 165 elementary school girls. "Trump knows exactly what he's doing by using these athletes, and they allowed themselves to be dragged into it," she wrote.
What This Means for Messi's Legacy
Messi famously avoids speaking out on politics and didn't say a word during the entire ceremony. He simply presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami ball and stood by as the president compared him to Pelé and Cristiano Ronaldo.
For bettors watching Messi's career, this controversy is unlikely to affect his on-field performance. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains focused on leading Inter Miami and preparing for this summer's World Cup, hosted across North America.
However, the backlash could impact his commercial appeal in certain markets. Palestinian-American writer Ali Abunimah called those applauding "vacuous selfish people," while account Halal Nation questioned whether Messi fans would continue supporting him.
Trump tried to keep things light, joking with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul about the team's good looks and asking Messi if he plays at Trump's Doral golf course. The president's 19-year-old son Barron is reportedly a huge Messi fan who follows both him and Cristiano Ronaldo closely.
Inter Miami became the first MLS team invited to the White House during Trump's presidency. Former Barcelona striker Luis Suárez also attended the ceremony alongside his longtime teammate.
