Lionel Messi’s Instant Reaction After Donald Trump Mentions Ronaldo Goes Viral
- Lionel Messi’s immediate reaction after Donald Trump mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo has set social media buzzing
- The Argentine veteran was part of an Inter Miami CF delegation that visited the White House on Thursday, March 5
- Netizens have expressed mixed reactions after Trump subtly reignited the long-running Messi versus Ronaldo debate
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A brief yet priceless reaction involving Lionel Messi and Donald Trump has set social media buzzing after the US president unexpectedly mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo during Inter Miami’s visit to the White House.
Messi and his Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise teammates, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, paid a courtesy call to Washington to celebrate their triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Messi's reaction when Trump mentioned Ronaldo
The Argentine icon stood behind the president alongside several squad members as Trump addressed the room and spoke on a range of subjects.
While speaking about his son Barron, the president stated that the youngster admires the Argentine captain and follows the sport closely.
"I think you've got to meet him for a while. So, he's a big soccer fan", Trump said, as quoted by Daily Mail.
Trump, who received a special gift from Ronaldo last year, then brought up the name of Messi’s long-standing rival.
"He's a tremendous fan of yours and a gentleman named Ronaldo."
Almost immediately after hearing the Portuguese superstar’s name, Messi flashed a brief smile that did not go unnoticed by those watching.
See the video on X below:
Reactions to Messi after Trump name-drops Ronaldo
The subtle reaction quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking a wave of mixed reactions from supporters.
YEN.com.gh gathered some comments from users on X who shared their interpretations of the moment.
@Asiwaju_RA observed:
"Brother has zero jealousy in him. Like literally zero."
@XnzyDrewS argued:
"Trump doesn’t rate Messi."
@Caisson388845 subtly questioned Messi's grasp of the English language:
"And Messi might not even understand what man is saying."
@Madridsta_ZA chimed in:
"You can’t beat greatness."
@jianaOT7 ended:
"Can’t believe Trump found a way to bring Ronaldo inside."
Interestingly, Trump referencing Ronaldo may not have come as a surprise to some followers of the sport.
In November 2025, the American leader hosted the Portuguese forward at the White House during a separate event.
Source: Getty Images
Why Messi and Inter Miami visited Trump
According to SportBIBLE, the Miami-based club’s visit was organised to celebrate their memorable MLS Cup success last year.
Coached by former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano, the team defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in the final in December 2025.
Messi delivered an outstanding display and finished the contest with two assists, earning the match’s most valuable player award.
In the United States, championship-winning professional and college teams traditionally receive recognition from the president at the White House.
Messi later greeted the president with a handshake after being introduced to guests gathered inside the Oval Office.
“It’s my privilege to say what no other president has ever said before," Trump said. "Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi."
Messi shares his biggest regret
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that Lionel Messi had opened up about his biggest childhood regret.
The Inter Miami star said he would take some parts of his early life more seriously if given another chance.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
