While in New York before Sunday’s World Cup final featuring Spain and Argentina, Trump commended Lionel Messi’s decisive assist in the semi-final, describing it as “within a quarter of an inch of being perfect.”
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump states, “We have gathered tonight in New York City as we anticipate the final showdown on Sunday between the two remarkable teams, Spain and Argentina. I observed that pass Messi made…He was closely guarded by an exceptional player and then he moved to the… pic.twitter.com/23WitBKzMe
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2026
He also praised Cristiano Ronaldo as “a terrific guy” before shifting focus to England’s performance.
“You have an amazing player in England who I played golf with… Harry Kane, who has been outstanding. They possibly made a misstep by assigning him defensive duties,” Trump noted. “They took the lead and then placed their best player on defense.”
Trump’s comments emerged as criticism grew surrounding England’s tactics after their elimination, while the controversy over Argentine players brandishing a Falklands banner post-semi-final continues to make headlines.
Argentina had to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the second half to defeat England in the semifinals, rallied from a 2-0 second-half disadvantage to win against Egypt in the Round of 16, and faced extra time challenges against both Cape Verde (in the round of 32) and Switzerland (in the quarterfinals). Thus, the defending champions secured their place in New York. When Messi appeared on stage Friday, few in the crowded theater clapped — as many were busy capturing the moment with their phones.
Messi recognized their desires. He smiled and waved. The crowd erupted. When the event concluded, all — the players, coaches, actor and comedian Kevin Hart, rapper and producer Travis Scott, England legend Rio Ferdinand, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, and more — posed for selfies with the fans in the backdrop.
(With PTI inputs)
First Published: Jul 18, 2026 2:38 PM IST
