Lionel Messi has come under heavy criticism on social media after attending a White House event with Inter Miami CF and applauding a speech by Donald Trump that included remarks about the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Messi and the Inter Miami squad were invited to the White House to be honoured for winning the Major League Soccer (MLS) title in December. The Argentine star also won the league’s MVP award for the second consecutive season.

During the ceremony in Washington, DC,
Trump welcomed Messi and praised his achievements in football. The US president then spoke about the ongoing Iran-Israel war, in which the United States is also involved.

Trump claimed that the United States and its allies were successfully carrying out military operations in the region, destroying Iran’s capabilities to fight back. He even said that the United States wants to fight now more than Iran does.

“The United States military, together with our wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy – far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before. We are destroying more of Iran’s missiles and drone capability every single hour, knocking them out like nobody thought was possible. As soon as they set off a missile, within four minutes the launcher gets hit. They don’t know what’s happening, but we have the greatest military anywhere in the world,” Trump said.

Their navy is gone – 24 ships in three days. That’s a lot of ships. Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no air force and no air defense. All of their airplanes are gone. Their communications are gone. Missiles are gone, launchers are gone – about 60% and 64% respectively. Other than that, they’re doing quite well. I said, ‘What’s left?’ But they’re tough and they want to fight. They’re calling and saying, ‘How do we make a deal?’ I said, ‘You’re being a little bit late.’ And we want to fight now more than they do,” Trump added.

“For 47 years we have lived through horror with this group. When you see somebody walking down the street without their legs or without their arms, whose face is so badly affected and hurt, a lot of it came from Soleimani and Iran. Other presidents lived with it, but I didn’t live with it. Our people are doing a great job. Once again, we have the greatest military anyone has seen. Thank you,” Trump concluded.

Messi faces backlash

As he concluded his remarks saying that the United States military is the greatest ever the world has seen, applause broke out in the room, with Messi and several Inter Miami players also clapping. The moment quickly went viral online and triggered strong reactions from many users.

Several critics accused Messi of normalising atrocity and supporting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A number of football fans also reacted strongly to the viral videos, with many expressing disappointment in Messi.

Donald Trump casually announces more illegal bombing of Iran in front of the entire Inter Miami squad.

Hundreds of children have been killed in Iran in the last few days.

Lionel Messi and his teammates respond with applause. Bizarre. pic.twitter.com/rT0E2tlm9L

— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) March 5, 2026

Trump just announced more bombing of Iran in front of the entire Inter Miami squad.

Lionel Messi and his teammates responded with applause.

US investigators believe American forces likely killed scores of children at a girls’ school on February 28.
Cluster munitions rained over… pic.twitter.com/L8eAbVamGT

— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) March 6, 2026

Let me describe the atmosphere in the White House…

Trump is explaining how he attacked Iran.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are applauding. pic.twitter.com/VG9C4YYdSX

— Losrafascartel (@Losrafascartel1) March 5, 2026

🚨 MESSI APLAUDE A TRUMP LUEGO DE QUE EL PRESIDENTE ANUNCIE LOS ATAQUES A IRÁN. pic.twitter.com/VtOBxw8v2W

— El Trumpista (@ElTrumpista) March 5, 2026

However, it is important to note that Messi is not well-versed in English. He has himself said that one of the biggest regrets of his life is not learning the language while growing up. So, some fans also argued that he didn’t understand what Trump said and just followed the cue of the room.

Messi was at the White House for the Inter Miami event and likely did not know that Trump would also brief the media about the war during the ceremony.

United States President Donald Trump namedropped Cristiano Ronaldo while praising Lionel Messi during the star footballer’s maiden visit to the White House on Thursday. Messi was at White House along with his Inter Miami teammates as they were honoured by Trump for winning the 2025 MLS Cup.

Under Messi’s guidance, Inter Miami won their first-ever MLS Cup in December 2025, while the Argentine star has become the first player to win the MLS Most Valuable Player award in back-to-back seasons.

Trump honours Messi, says Ronaldo is great

While honouring Messi, Trump revealed that his son Barron is a big fan of the former Barcelona forward.

“It’s my privilege to say what no other president has ever said before, welcome to the White House Lionel Messi,” said Trump. “He (Barron) is a big fan of yours.

However, soon after, Trump added that Barron is also a big fan of Ronaldo, and that Portuguese star is also a massive star just like Messi.

“He thinks you’re just a great person. He’s a tremendous fan of yours, as well as a gentleman named Ronaldo.

“Cristiano is a great, some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport.”

President Trump: “Today, we’re thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, Inter Miami…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 Messi!” pic.twitter.com/iatxKLkRyS

— CSPAN (@cspan) March 5, 2026

The video of the incident is going viral on social media. Interestingly, Messi can be seen enjoying the moment as he offers a wide smile while Trump talks in front of him.

While continuing his praise for Messi, Trump added: “Leo claimed the 47th trophy of his incredible career – the most of all time.

“You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami. I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride.”

Trump went on to add that he feels Messi is probably even better than Brazilian legend Pelé.

“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play. I don’t know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good,” Trump said.

While Lionel Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or eight times in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the trophy on five occasions. Ronaldo was Messi’s biggest competitor during their prime years, and both footballers have extremely loyal fans who do not like their favourite being bunched together with others.

Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about something very personal. Even though he is one of the most famous and successful athletes in the world, Messi admitted that not being able to speak English fluently has made him feel “ignorant” at times, especially when he is with global personalities.

The
Inter Miami star shared his feelings during a podcast appearance with Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman on YouTube. Speaking to his former teammate, Messi said he regrets not focusing more on his studies when he was younger, especially learning English.

Messi revealed that he studied only until high school before fully dedicating his life to football. He started his journey with Newell’s Old Boys and later made his historic move to FC Barcelona, where he became one of the greatest players in history before leaving in 2021.

Messi on not learning English

Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is often surrounded by international players, business leaders and global celebrities. Messi said that he sometimes regrets not knowing English when he is in such situations. This is the first time he has acknowledged this publicly.

“In my last year in Argentina, since I knew I was leaving, I didn’t do anything. I regret so many things – I tell my kids this. Having a good education, studying, and being prepared,” Messi was quoted as saying in the Miro de Atrás podcast.

“Not having learned English as a kid. I had the time to study at least English and I didn’t do it and I regret it a lot. Later, I found myself in situations where I was with incredible, amazing personalities, and I could have had a conversation with them but instead you feel kind of ignorant,” Messi added.

Messi has always chosen to speak in Spanish and kept a low profile amongst people who don’t understand the language. He recently visited India for a fan tour and was seen delivering speeches to tens of hundreds of Indians in Spanish, with a translator translating in English. His interaction with Indian politicians and celebrities was also minimal since he couldn’t speak English.

Lionel Messi caused a bit of a stir after Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener on Sunday. A video that went viral on social media showed Messi upset with match referees and allegedly trying to enter their locker room to argue.

The video also showed Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez, who was trying to grab his arm to stop him from approaching the area. Several reports later suggested that Messi may have tried to enter the referees’ dressing room, which is not allowed and could have led to a suspension.

In one of the videos, Messi could be seen arguing with Canadian referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere as he walks back to the dressing room. However, the latest reports suggest that Messi will not face any action for entering the referee’s locker room.

Why will Messi not be punished?

After reviewing the situation, Major League Soccer (MLS) said
Lionel Messi did nothing wrong. The area he went through was not restricted, and he did not enter the referees’ actual dressing room.

Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for the Professional Referees Organization (PRO), which is responsible for referee assignments in football leagues across USA and Canada, confirmed that Messi did not break any rules.

“After speaking with the match officials, we can confirm Lionel Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room,” PRO said in a statement the next day as quoted by ESPN.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano also said he didn’t see Messi upset during the match. “No, no, no, I didn’t see anything. The truth is that the game is over and then I go into the locker room,” he said.

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The incident drew comparisons to a 2023 case when FC Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga entered the referees’ locker room after a playoff game and was suspended.

Messi has been vocal in MLS before about refereeing. After a 3-0 loss to Orlando City SC in 2025, he criticised a referee for missing a call that led to a goal. He has also received yellow cards for dissent in previous games.

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Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has revealed his plan to bring Lionel Messi back to the club if he wins the upcoming elections. Font said he wants Messi to return to Barcelona so that the Argentine legend can get a proper farewell in front of the fans at Camp Nou.

A crying Messi left FC Barcelona in 2021 in very emotional circumstances. The club was facing serious financial problems back then and could not afford to renew his expensive contract. As a result, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and later moved to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Also Read:
Inside football’s pre-season tours: Why Messi’s presence matters more than the game

Speaking to AS, Font said that Messi’s relationship with the club can only be repaired if current president Joan Laporta is no longer in charge. According to him, if he wins the elections, Messi’s “last dance” at Barcelona is possible.

“During the pre-election period, names are thrown around. We try to generate enthusiasm based on facts. And the undeniable reality is that this reconciliation with Messi will never happen with [Joan] Laporta. If we win the elections, Messi’s last dance is possible,” Font said.

Font said Messi is not just a great footballer but also a role model as a person. He described Messi as hardworking, committed and honest, someone who truly represents Barcelona and its values.

Font also claimed that Messi was “deceived” twice, first in 2021 when he arrived to renew his contract but had to leave, and again in 2023 when he wanted to return under then-coach Xavi Hernandez, but the move did not happen.

“Messi is a role model not only as a footballer but also as a person. Messi reflects what we Barça fans are like. A hard-working, committed, and honest leader who loves Barca. We mustn’t forget that Messi has been deceived twice: in 2021, when he arrived in Barcelona to renew his contract, and in 2023, when he wanted to return to the club of his life with Xavi Hernandez. After raising his hopes, the board once again closed the door on him,” he added.

Font says Messi deserves a proper farewell

Font believes Messi deserves a proper goodbye on the pitch and not in a closed room. He said a player of Messi’s level should retire wearing the Barcelona shirt in front of the fans. However, he added that everything depends on Messi’s wishes and his situation at the end of 2026.

“Messi cannot end his time with Barca with a farewell in a closed room. It’s unthinkable. Messi must retire on the pitch. Obviously, how he does it depends on his wishes and his situation at the end of 2026. What we do want to say is that the only way he can say goodbye in the way he deserves, in his kit and on the pitch, is if Joan Laporta is no longer in power after March 16,” Font said.

Font also revealed that he is ready to offer Messi the role of Honorary President of the club in the future. He said this would be a way to keep the connection between Messi and Barcelona alive even after his playing career ends. “We have proposed to him to be Honorary President of the Club,” he added.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player in Barcelona’s history. During his time at the club, he broke many goal-scoring records and won numerous trophies, including multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. His departure in 2021 shocked the football world, as many believed he would retire at Camp Nou.

The presidential elections at Barcelona are heating up. The process officially began on February 9 and will end with voting on March 15. Laporta, who is currently president, was first in charge from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2021. He is considered one of the most successful presidents in the club’s history.

World’s best footballer, Lionel Messi, has tendered an apology to football fans in Puerto Rico after the much-awaited friendly between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle was postponed to 26 February after an injury to the Argentine legend.

Messi’s match against Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle was originally scheduled for 13 February, but it has been pushed back by two weeks as the 38-year-old footballer suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC.

Messi apologises to Puerto Rico fans

Messi was unable to play the full match against Barcelona, leaving the pitch in the 58th minute after suffering a muscle strain in his left hamstring.

“Hello everyone, I’d like to send my greetings to the people of Puerto Rico, both those who were going to attend the training session and the match,” Messi said in an Instagram Story on Thursday.

“The truth is that in the last match in Ecuador, I ended up with discomfort, which is why I came off before the end. Because of that, together with the organisers and the club, it was decided to suspend this match. I hope it can be rescheduled, that we can see each other, and that we can visit you soon.”

الأسطورة ميسي يوجّه رسالة إعتذار:

“مرحبًا جميعًا، أردت أن أوجّه هذه الرسالة إلى أهل بورتو ريكو، سواء الذين كانوا سيحضرون التدريب أو المباراة.

في الحقيقة، في آخر مباراة لي في الإكوادور شعرت بانزعاج عضلي، ولهذا خرجت قبل نهاية اللقاء. وبعد ذلك، وبالاتفاق مع الجهة المنظمة والنادي،… pic.twitter.com/kt11YavPsv

— Messi World (@M10GOAT) February 11, 2026

“I’m sending you all a very big thank you for your support and affection. I know tickets had already been sold and everything was set in motion, so hopefully we can make it happen later. A big hug to everyone, and all the best.”

Such was the demand for the match featuring Messi in Puerto Rico that the tickets for the game were sold out in just 17 minutes. The good news is that the tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled match, which will take place at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon.

Puerto Rico was the latest stop in Inter Miami’s pre-season tour, with matches earlier being played in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Why does Messi-minus match have to be postponed?

In the larger scheme of things, it’s a very rare thing that a pre-season match is postponed due to injury to a player. But not surprising at all.

Pre-season across different countries are a common thing in football, as the most popular clubs use these trips as a brand activation event and an opportunity to strengthen bonds with their overseas fans.

While pre-season matches are ideally expected to get the players and team in shape, it has become an increasingly commercial activity in modern-day football.

That is why the pre-season match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle has been rescheduled after Messi’s injury. It’s no longer a practice game or a preparatory match, it’s a commercial event like a music show, an opportunity for fans to see one of their most favourite footballers play.

And there’s hardly anyone as popular as Messi. Maybe also Cristiano Ronaldo!

But in Puerto Rico’s context, Messi is the main and only attraction.

In Messi’s absence, there’s a big risk of fans turning against the organisers. This is exactly what happened last year in 2024 when Messi
did not play in a friendly in Hong Kong due to an injury. Messi’s no-show led to a political crisis as the footballer was accused of “disrespecting” China and Hong Kong.

The organisers were also forced to issue 50% refund due to the criticism, leading to millions in losses for Tatler Asia, a magazine and lifestyle brand.

Well aware of past mistakes, VRDG Entertainment Group, the organisers of Messi’s game in Puerto Rico, acted quickly and brokered a new match date in negotiations with Messi and Miami. Now they will hope he turns up on that date.

David Beckham is looking to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr to create a dream team with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, as per reports. This comes amid Ronaldo’s uncertain future at Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese superstar refused to feature in Al-Nassr’s last two league matches in protest of perceived unfair financial backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to Al-Nassr.

To that end, it has been reported that the 41-year-old is considering leaving Al-Nassr at the end of the season, with a move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) suggested.

In the latest development, according to a report from the Daily Star, Inter Miami co-owner Beckham is aiming to make football history by partnering his former teammate Ronaldo alongside long-time rival Messi.

Messi has been plying his trade at Inter Miami since 2023 and has taken the club to unexpected highs. Ronaldo also joined Al-Nassr the same year, but unlike his Argentine counterpart, he has yet to win a major trophy with the Saudi Pro League club.

The potential of both players becoming teammates is something that football fans would definitely love after sharing a decade-long domestic rivalry that shaped the football world.

“He’s a great person” – When David Beckham picked between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Back in 2023, David Beckham weighed in on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate. The former England captain, although has always spoken fondly of Ronaldo, picked Messi as the player he admires the most between the two.

For over two decades, the pair have often been compared with each other, with fans and pundits giving their say on who the better player is.

“It has to be Messi,” Beckham told ESPN in an interview. “I love Leo for many different reasons. I love him because he’s a great father. I love him because he’s a great personality, a character. He’s a great person. But I think what everybody loves about him is the way he plays the game. He plays the game with passion. He plays the game just free the way he plays. And I think this past World Cup again. I think the way he played for his team, for his country and to win that World Cup was an incredible moment for him. And I love watching players like him.”

To date, Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo has five to his name.