Sports Icon’s Trip To See Trump Gets Kicked Around Online | EUROtoday

Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi’s journey to the White House together with his Inter Miami teammates drew backlash on social media Thursday.

The go to — held to rejoice the David Beckham-co-owned membership’s 2025 MLS Cup title — got here simply 5 months after Messi’s nice rival, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, additionally visited the White House, a visit that equally sparked criticism on-line.

Watch Trump’s full handle right here:

Messi, the World Cup winner extensively thought to be one of many biggest gamers of all time, was accused by critics of being a “promote out” for showing on the occasion.

Beckham didn’t attend the ceremony.

President Donald Trump began his speech, whereas standing in entrance of the squad ― which incorporates gamers from Honduras, Brazil, Jamaica, Spain, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and extra ― with an replace on the struggle on Iran.

He made graphic comments about injured people:

Trump also repeated his false claims about the 2020 election.

And he said Cuba would be the next country to undergo regime change.

When the focus turned to soccer, Trump commented on the players’ appearance.

He also imagined celebrating with them after a win, saying, “What a group of people. We could have a lot of fun with these guys. You can imagine when they win how they celebrate. We don’t want to talk about it. We don’t want to talk about it.”

At another point, Trump impersonated his son, 19-year-old soccer fan Barron Trump, reacting excitedly to Messi’s visit.

Messi and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas also presented Trump with a “Trump 47” Inter Miami jersey, a soccer ball and a watch etched with Trump’s identify and a tribute to him.