EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The World Cup final may have ended with Spain hoisting the trophy, but one of the most talked-about moments came during the medal presentation, when President Donald Trump shared a few extra words with Lionel Messi.
After Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Trump joined FIFA officials on stage to hand out the silver medals. As each Argentina player walked by, the president offered a quick "Great job!" — but when Messi stepped up, the exchange lasted noticeably longer.
Trump appeared to tell the 39-year-old legend how much he admires his career and how proud he should be of everything he's accomplished. The moment captured the attention of fans worldwide, especially given Messi's graceful exit after the loss.
It wasn't the first time Trump had spoken highly of Messi. In an interview before the match, the president admitted it's "very hard to bet against Messi."
"I thought about it a lot. I knew that was a question. I hate to get involved, even though politically, it doesn't matter so much," Trump told FOX Sports. "The head of Argentina is a friend of mine, he's done a terrific job. But I would say that it's hard to bet against Messi. He's great."
Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion, played what is likely his final World Cup match. At 39, he led Argentina onto the field and nearly delivered another title, but Spain's dominance from start to finish proved too much.
While the crowd at MetLife Stadium had booed Trump loudly during the match, the president's warm interaction with Messi seemed to transcend politics. For a brief moment, it was just two icons acknowledging each other's greatness.
Whether Messi will try to play in the 2030 World Cup remains uncertain. If anyone can still perform at a high level in their 40s, it's him. But if Sunday was truly the last time we see him in an Argentina shirt, he walks away with his head held high — and a few kind words from the president to remember it by.
