“Cristiano Is Great”: Trump Stirs Messi-Ronaldo Debate At White House

President Donald Trump added fresh fuel to football’s longest-running debate during Inter Miami’s White House visit—telling Lionel Messi that Cristiano Ronaldo “is a great.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner greeted Trump with a handshake as the MLS Cup champions were honoured for their 2025 title. In a lengthy speech, Trump mentioned his son Barron is a fan of both superstars.

“He (Barron) 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,” Trump told Messi.

The president also weighed in on another GOAT(Greatest of All Time),debate, questioning whether the Argentine surpassed Brazilian icon Pelé.

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

Messi, who made MLS history as the first player to win consecutive MVP awards, appeared amused by the comments.

Trump thanked him for choosing Miami: “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami.”