US President Donald Trump sparked global attention during a World Cup celebration when he joked about his past football skills. His humorous comparison to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Trump arrived at a major World Cup ceremony alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino. During a light exchange with Colombian broadcasters, he recalled playing football in his younger years. He then compared his talent to the sport’s biggest icons, which immediately drew laughter.
He said he once played the sport seriously and enjoyed it. However, he joked that he was “a little bit short” of Messi and Ronaldo. He added that he may have had “a little bit more speed,” which made the moment even more entertaining for the crowd.
President Awarded Fifa’s First Peace Prize
During the same event, Trump received Fifa’s first peace prize. The announcement created surprise across the audience. Throughout the year, he often highlighted his efforts to broker global deals. Therefore, the award added another notable moment to an already packed evening.
The ceremony took place at Washington’s Kennedy Centre. The gathering featured international leaders and global sports icons. Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum also attended.
Star-Studded Evening Draws Global Notice
The event attracted major sports celebrities. NFL legend Tom Brady and NBA star Shaquille O’Neal were among those present. Their presence added even more energy to the night. Trump’s football remarks, however, remained the viral highlight.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will jointly host the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be the largest in history with 48 nations competing. Most matches will take place across American cities, while Canada and Mexico will host several group matches.
USA Draws Challenging Group for 2026
The United States discovered its group placement during the ceremony. The team landed in Group D with Australia and Paraguay. The remaining slot will be filled by the winner of Uefa Playoff C. The group is seen as a strong test for the American side.
The team automatically qualified as co-hosts. The squad is led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. He took charge in September 2024 after the departure of Gregg Berhalter. The national team continues to search for a consistent identity before the tournament.
A Viral Moment That Stole the Show
Trump’s remarks dominated social media within minutes. Many viewers shared clips of the humorous comment. His playful tone added a lighter touch to a serious global event. The moment also highlighted the increasing excitement for the 2026 World Cup.
