During an official FIFA reception on Friday at Trump Tower in New York, former President Donald Trump expressed profound admiration for Lionel Messi. He vividly recounted a play by the Argentine star during the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England, leaving many attendees in awe.
In an event attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump narrated Messi's decisive move that secured Argentina's spot in the final with remarkable detail, captivating the audience.
"He was tightly marked, very well covered, and suddenly, he stood on the right. The defender marking him was just standing there. Messi had ample time to kick. It was, in my opinion, a quarter of an inch away from perfection. And that was the end of the match. It was brilliant," Trump described.
The Semifinal Game-Changer
The play Trump referenced occurred in the 85th minute of the semifinal on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Messi set up Enzo Fernández to initiate Argentina's comeback from a 0-1 deficit.
Argentina had been trailing since the 55th minute after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead. In the final six minutes, the Argentine team turned the game around: first with Fernández's goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Messi, followed by Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 90+2 minute, again assisted by the Argentine captain.
Though Messi didn't score in the semifinal, his two assists were pivotal, cementing his status as a standout player in the tournament.
Trump's Acknowledgment of Messi's Genius
Trump acknowledged his limited knowledge of soccer but emphasized that nobody else noticed Messi's subtle movement. "I don't know if anyone else saw it. I just noticed it. Nobody talked about it," he insisted.
The former president also described the 2026 World Cup as "one of the greatest sporting events ever," projecting over 6.5 million stadium spectators and nearly six billion viewers for the final.
Approaching the final, Messi leads the tournament's Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, also holding the record as the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer with 21 goals, a milestone achieved on June 22, 2026.
Messi's Historic Achievements
By reaching the final, Messi joins Cafú as the only footballers to play in three World Cup finals, highlighting his extraordinary career.
Trump confirmed he will attend the Argentina vs. Spain final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he will present the trophy to the winner alongside Infantino.
This won't be their first encounter; in March 2026, Trump welcomed Messi and Inter Miami to the White House to celebrate their MLS Cup 2025 victory, calling it "a great privilege" to host Messi, an opportunity "no other U.S. president had before."
Key Insights into Trump's Admiration for Messi
What did Trump say about Messi's play during the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
Trump described Messi's play as brilliant, highlighting his precise movement and decision-making that led to Argentina's victory over England, securing their place in the final.
How did Messi contribute to Argentina's semifinal win?
Although Messi didn't score, he provided two crucial assists that turned the game in Argentina's favor, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's success.
What makes the 2026 World Cup significant according to Trump?
Trump considers the 2026 World Cup one of the largest sporting events ever, with millions attending in person and billions watching worldwide, indicating its massive global impact.