What did Trump say about Messi?

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Lionel Messi

Argentina captain and masterclass playmaker

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Crucial performance in the World Cup semifinal vs. England

World Cup Final

Led Argentina to the tournament's final match against Spain

High Praise

Donald Trump lauded his semifinal precision as 'brilliant'

Donald Trump's remarks highlighted Lionel Messi's decisive playmaking during Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.

Speaking ahead of the tournament's final, Trump broke down Messi's execution on the pitch, pointing out how the forward navigated tight defensive coverage before delivering a precision pass that secured the match. Trump described the moment as "brilliant" and remarked that it was "within, I would say, a quarter of an inch of being perfect."

Argentina went on to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, capping off another major international milestone for Messi's historic career.