Jul 14

Jul 14 Trump Declares Lionel Messi “The Biggest Soccer Star on the Planet” After Club World Cup Final

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has given Argentine legend Lionel Messi a glowing endorsement, calling him “probably the biggest soccer star on this planet.”

Trump, who was in attendance as Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to lift the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday night, made the remarks during a chat with DAZN.

Though he named Brazilian icon Pelé as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Trump emphasized how fortunate Major League Soccer (MLS) — and the U.S. at large — is to have Messi playing every week.

“Messi, yes, he’s a great star, probably the biggest soccer star on this planet. Our country is lucky to have him playing here every week,” Trump said, as quoted by Tribuna.

🔥 Opinion: Messi’s Presence in MLS Is Bigger Than Just Football

Trump’s recognition, though unusual in the world of football commentary, reflects something millions of fans and marketers already know: Messi isn’t just a player — he’s a global brand.

From record-breaking MLS attendance to skyrocketing jersey sales, Messi’s move to Inter Miami has transformed American soccer. While his Club World Cup campaign was cut short in the Round of 16, his impact in the U.S. continues to grow off the pitch.

In a year where American soccer is positioning itself for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump’s praise is not just flattery — it’s a political nod to the cultural shift Messi has ignited in U.S. sports.

📌 Match Recap:

🏆 FIFA Club World Cup Final
🥇 Chelsea 3–0 PSG
⚽ Cole Palmer: 2 goals + 1 assist
🅰 João Pedro: 1 goal
❌ Inter Miami: Eliminated in Round of 16

👀 What This Means:

🇺🇸 The U.S. isn’t just hosting the World Cup in 2026 — it's already living in the Messi era.
🌍 Trump’s words echo what many fans feel: Messi’s presence is historic.
💸 For MLS, it’s more than football — it’s influence, commerce, and global relevance.