Lionel Messi listened on awkwardly as Donald Trump ranted about Iran and mentioned his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo during Inter Miami’s visit to the White House on Thursday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is regarded by many as the greatest soccer player in history, was all smiles as he linked up with the president in Washington DC, where Miami is being honored after winning their first-ever MLS Cup last season.
As his teammates waited on stage, Messi walked out for the ceremony by Trump’s side before standing close by as he opened up his speech by discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran.
‘The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to demolish the enemy at levels people have never seen before. We are destroying Iran’s missiles,’ Trump said with the World Cup winner right next to him.
He then turned his attention to the ‘great champions’ in attendance at the White House and singled out Messi for particular praise.
‘My son [Barron] said, “Dad do you know who’s gonna be there today?” I said no, I’ve got a lot of things going on. He said, “Messi!” He’s a big fan, he’s a big fan of yours, he thinks you’re just a great person, and I think you got to meet a little while ago.’
Trump then added about Messi’s famous nemesis of the last two decades: ‘He’s a big soccer fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours, and a gentleman named Ronaldo.’