Trump Watch: Messi Steals Spotlight at 2026 Final

Trump Appears at the Historic Fixture

The sitting U.S. president will be in the stands at MetLife Stadium for Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. He is slated to join FIFA president Gianni Infantino when the trophy is presented to the winning team. In a pre‑recorded interview with Fox’s Jenny Taft, Donald Trump hinted that his presence adds a unique twist to soccer’s biggest stage.

While refusing to back either side, Trump revealed a soft spot for Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine star as “hard to bet against.” The president also noted that “the head of Argentina is a friend of mine, he’s done a terrific job,” a comment that underscored his personal connections to the nation’s leadership.

Messi on the Cusp of History

Messi enters the championship one goal shy of overtaking Kylian Mbappé for the all‑time World Cup scoring record. The 39‑year‑old Argentine has contributed eight of his country’s 16 goals this tournament, including five netted during Group J play. If he finds the net on Sunday, it will be his 22nd World Cup goal across six appearances.

This match is widely regarded as Messi’s likely final World Cup outing, raising the emotional stakes for fans worldwide. His performance will also be compared to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, another player Trump has praised.

Trump’s Celebrity Rankings

In the same interview, Trump placed Messi among “the greatest” ever to play the game, grouping him with Ronaldo and other elite talents. He credited his son Baron, a self‑declared “tremendous soccer fan,” for feeding him insights on the sport’s top performers. The endorsement highlights how even political figures can become unexpected advocates for soccer’s icons.

The American leader’s inability to pick a side underscores the charisma that surrounds Messi and the broader draw of the final. His reverence for the Argentine forward adds a human element to an otherwise high‑profile sporting event.

Matchday Logistics and Trophy Presentation

Argentina and Spain will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, a venue already famous for hosting multiple 2026 matches. Both the U.S. president and FIFA chief will be on hand for the trophy ceremony, reinforcing the global spotlight on the championship. Tickets and viewership are expected to be record‑breaking, making this final a must‑watch for casual fans and die‑hard followers alike.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says it’s ‘hard to bet against Messi’ in World Cup final