Lionel Messi Claps at Donald Trump ‘Casually’ Announcing More Bombing of Iran

Donald Trump addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East before hosting MLS Cup winners at the White House.

Lionel Messi Claps at Donald Trump ‘Casually’ Announcing More Bombing of Iran

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House to meet President Donald Trump (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Lionel Messi stood awkwardly as Donald Trump discussed military actions against Iran during a White House ceremony.
  • Messi and the Inter Miami team clapped in response to Trump's remarks about destroying Iranian missiles.
  • Trump expressed excitement in hosting Messi, highlighting his son's admiration for the soccer star.

An awkward Lionel Messi stood in silence when Donald Trump abruptly began discussing the warlike situation in the Middle East involving the US-Israel alliance, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The President of the USA went on about destroying Iranian missiles.

On Thursday, Trump honored Messi and the Inter Miami soccer team at the White House. The Argentine superstar walked out for the ceremony by Trump’s side before standing close by as he opened his speech by discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy at levels people have never seen before. We are destroying Iran’s missiles.

Donald Trump said with the World Cup winner right next to him

Messi, in particular, seemed ill-prepared for Trump’s monologue. His English may not be top-tier like his left leg, but even he gasped at the gravity of the situation. Then again, he also joined in when everyone else in the room started clapping.

Donald Trump lightens the mood by joking with Lionel Messi

Trump quickly shifted focus from the Iran conflict to felicitating Messi and his Miami teammates. Every year, winning American sports teams pay a visit to the White House and meet the president.

Lionel Messi Claps at Donald Trump 'Casually' Announcing More Bombing of Iran
Lionel Messi (Image via IMAGO)

Trump sounded excited to host Messi, whom many regard as the best soccer player ever.

Today, we’re thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, Inter Miami… It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before—welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi!

Trump announced

Trump’s 19-year-old son Barron made his father aware that Messi was coming to the White House.

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 said

Messi is not the only soccer star Barron is a fan of. He also equally admires Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

He’s a big soccer fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours, and a gentleman named Ronaldo.

Trump said

This brought out an awkward smile from Messi. His legendary rivalry with Ronaldo spanned nearly a decade as the two faced off while representing Spain’s Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Of course, Messi was not the only player from the Inter Miami team who attended the event. He was accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, as well as head coach Javier Mascherano and Miami co-owner Jorge Mas. At the end of the ceremony, Mascherano and Mas presented Trump with a Miami jersey and a watch as memorabilia.

Messi scored 43 and assisted an additional 28 goals for Miami during the 2025 MLS season. In the MLS final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, he provided an assist to De Paul as Miami won 3-1 in regular time.

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