A funny moment at the White House: When Trump asked, “Who is the GOAT, Messi or Pelé?”

An interesting and somewhat humorous moment occurred at the White House when U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Inter Miami CF and soccer superstar Lionel Messi after their 2025 MLS Cup victory. The event took place in early March 2026, when Messi’s team was invited to Washington to be honored for their historic achievement in the American professional league.

In his speech to the players and guests, Trump shared that he had watched Brazilian legend Pelé play when he was young, during Pelé’s time playing for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s. From that memory, Trump said Pelé was one of the greatest players he had ever seen. However, standing next to Messi – considered an icon of modern soccer – he posed a question that captured the attention of the entire room: “Who is better, Pelé or Messi?”

This moment quickly created a lively atmosphere. Many players and guests in the room seemed to lean toward Messi. Trump even pointed to Messi and said, “He might be better than Pelé,” although he still held great respect for the Brazilian legend. Messi simply smiled and maintained a humble atтιтude in the face of the praise and the familiar debate among football fans.

The White House event was not just a sporting tribute but also showcased Messi’s global influence. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has significantly elevated the team’s standing in the MLS. In their most recent championship season, Messi scored 29 goals and provided 16 ᴀssists, winning the Golden Boot and MVP awards. These achievements made him the centerpiece of the ceremony and a symbol of the development of soccer in America.

In his speech, Trump also mentioned Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo – another player often compared to Messi in the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) debate. He called Ronaldo “a great champion” but didn’t delve into the debate between the two stars, perhaps to avoid creating a controversial comparison at the ceremony.

Nevertheless, Trump’s “Messi or Pelé?” question quickly spread on social media, becoming a topic of discussion among soccer fans worldwide. Some saw it as a lighthearted moment, while others saw it as proof that Messi is increasingly recognized as the greatest player in history.

The GOAT debate will probably never end. Pelé dominated world soccer in the 20th century, Ronaldo is an icon of stamina and goal-scoring, and Messi – with World Cups, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and countless records – has written a new chapter in soccer history. But at the White House that day, at least for a brief moment, the crowd’s answer seemed to lean towards Messi. ⚽