Messi Faces Backlash After White House Meeting with Trump

Lionel Messi's visit to the White House and subsequent discussion on Iran with former President Trump sparks outrage among fans, especially in Iran

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Lionel Messi's recent visit to the White House and meeting with former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly among fans in Iran. The incident, where Messi and his team Inter Miami were reportedly subjected to a ten-minute discourse on the Iran conflict, has raised critical questions about the responsibility of global athletes when navigating the political landscape and the potential repercussions of such interactions.

Why it matters

The backlash against Messi highlights the intense scrutiny faced by athletes with massive global platforms, as their actions and associations can be interpreted as endorsements of specific policies or ideologies. This incident echoes similar criticism leveled at other athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, for meeting with Trump, and underscores the growing intersection of sports and politics.

The details

Videos circulated online showing fans, especially young Iranians, expressing their discontent with Messi's meeting with Trump. Some burned or discarded Messi jerseys, viewing the meeting as a betrayal of their values. This reaction demonstrates the delicate balance athletes must strike between maintaining neutrality and speaking out on social and political issues, as remaining silent can be perceived as complicity, while speaking out risks alienating a portion of the fanbase.

  • Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House on March 9, 2026.

The players

Lionel Messi

A renowned Argentine professional footballer who currently plays for Inter Miami CF.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who met with Messi and Inter Miami during their visit to the White House.

Javier Mascherano

The head coach of Inter Miami CF, who noted that the initial understanding was that the visit would focus solely on football, a promise that was ultimately broken.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional footballer who has also faced criticism for meeting with Donald Trump in the past.

Colin Kaepernick

An American football player who sparked a national conversation about racial injustice through his kneeling protest during the US national anthem.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the complexities of navigating the political landscape for global icons. The question now is whether this wave of criticism will subside quickly, or if it will have a lasting impact on Messi's image and influence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing expectations for athletes to take stances on social and political issues, as well as the potential risks and consequences of their actions. It underscores the need for athletes to carefully consider the implications of their associations and statements, and for organizations to provide guidance and support in navigating these sensitive matters.