Lionel Messi has come under criticism after meeting United States President Donald Trump and applauding his comments about the ongoing US and Israeli military attacks on Iran. The event, held at the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday, was organized to honor Messi and his Inter Miami teammates for winning the Major League Soccer title in December. Trump praised Messi’s achievements and welcomed him to the White House, but his remarks began with a boast about the Iran conflict, claiming US and Israeli forces were demolishing the enemy. Messi, standing beside Trump, joined others in applauding the president’s statements.
The applause drew swift backlash on social media, where users accused Messi of being drawn into politics and endorsing Trump’s military rhetoric. Palestinian-American writer Ali Abunimah called the participants “vacuous selfish people,” while Spanish journalist Leyla Hamed described the players’ actions as “bizarre” amid reports of civilian deaths in Iran. Other fans expressed shock at seeing Messi and teammate Luis Suarez present during Trump’s war-related comments.
Trump used the occasion to blend sports celebration with political messaging, while Messi, who did not speak publicly, presented a signed football to the president.
Share Lionel Messi has been criticised for meeting United States President Donald Trump and applauding his latest brief on the Iran war at an White House event honouring the Argentinian superstar and his Inter Miami team. Messi drew high praise from
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