The Trump ally looking for a Messi miracle
Politics — 2026-07-11 18:45:00 — www.politico.com
Donald Trump Praises Messi’s Move to Miami, Draws Criticism in Argentina
Donald Trump’s recent interaction with soccer legend Lionel Messi has sparked controversy in Argentina, highlighting the former president’s ongoing efforts to align himself with high-profile figures and international allies.
During a White House visit in March, Trump told Messi, “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami.” The comment, intended as praise for Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami, drew backlash from some in Argentina. Critics accused Messi of lending legitimacy to Trump’s politics simply by appearing alongside him.
The episode underscores Trump’s tendency to seek association with popular personalities and leverage their fame for political gain. This approach mirrors his relationship with Argentina’s libertarian president Javier Milei, whom Trump has called “my favorite president.” Last October, Trump rewarded Milei with a $20 billion economic lifeline, further cementing their alliance.
While both Trump and Milei have attempted to bask in Messi’s global popularity, the soccer star has deliberately avoided political entanglements. Surveys show Messi remains a unifying figure in Argentina, with approval ratings above 90 percent—far higher than those of the country’s political leaders.
The controversy over Trump’s meeting with Messi serves as a reminder of the sharp divisions that persist around Trump’s public image, both at home and abroad. Despite his efforts to share in Messi’s glory, the soccer legend’s broad appeal remains distinctly separate from the polarizing world of politics.
In summary, Trump’s praise for Messi’s move to Miami and the subsequent criticism in Argentina illustrate the complexities and pitfalls of political figures seeking to associate themselves with national heroes. As history shows, the glow of sports stardom rarely translates into political capital.