Manny Ita –
United States President Donald Trump sparked renewed debate in the long-running rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during a White House ceremony honouring Inter Miami CF for their 2025 Major League Soccer Cup victory.
Messi shared a light moment as Trump referenced Ronaldo during a speech while welcoming the Argentine star and his teammates to the White House. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner shook hands with the president after being introduced to guests gathered in the Oval Office.
“It’s my privilege to say what no other president has ever said before, welcome to the White House Lionel Messi,” Trump said during the ceremony.
The long-running debate over who is the greatest footballer of the modern era—Messi or Ronaldo—has divided fans globally for nearly two decades, with comparisons often centred on their achievements, playing styles and records. Messi is widely praised for his dribbling, vision and playmaking, while Ronaldo is known for his athleticism, physical strength and prolific goal scoring.
The rivalry intensified during their time in Spain, when Messi played for FC Barcelona and Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid CF. During that period, both players frequently competed for major trophies and individual honours, including the Ballon d’Or.
During his speech, Trump mentioned that his son Barron admired both football stars.
“He (Barron) is a big fan of yours,” Trump told Messi. “He thinks you’re just a great person. He’s a tremendous fan of yours, as well as a gentleman named Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is a great, some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport.”
Messi, who led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup title, also made league history by becoming the first player to win the Most Valuable Player award in consecutive seasons.
During the ceremony, Messi and his teammates posed for photographs with the president and were congratulated on their success. Trump also praised the Argentine’s decorated career.
“Leo claimed the 47th trophy of his incredible career — the most of all time,” Trump said. “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami. I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride.”
Trump also referenced Brazilian football legend Pelé while addressing Messi, raising the perennial debate over the greatest player in football history.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pele play. I don’t know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good,” he added.
Like Messi, Ronaldo has also previously visited the White House. The Portuguese forward attended a black-tie dinner there in November 2025 alongside Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader.
During that event, Trump again spoke about his son’s admiration for the Portuguese star.
“My son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump said. “And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you.”
