Lionel Messi Censured for Meeting with Donald Trump Amid US-Iran Tensions

US President Donald Trump Honors Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi at White House Ceremony

In a ceremony held at the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump honored Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi and his team for their recent Major League Soccer (MLS) title win. The event also featured a brief address by Trump on the ongoing conflict in Iran.

During the ceremony, Trump praised Messi’s achievements, stating that it was “my distinct privilege” to welcome him to the White House. He noted that winning the MLS title is an “unusual and hard-to-do” feat, putting pressure on players to perform. Messi did not speak during the event, but joined Trump alongside his Inter Miami teammates.

Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict in Iran, stating that the US military, along with Israeli partners, has been “totally demolishing the enemy” at levels never seen before. He concluded by saying that the US people are doing a great job, again – the greatest military anyone has ever.

The ceremony was attended by Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, as well as other Inter Miami players. However, some fans and fan groups expressed their displeasure with Trump’s comments on the Iran conflict, with some criticizing Messi for applauding the US president’s remarks.

On social media, Palestinian-American writer Ali Abunimah wrote: “Vacuous selfish people.” Spanish journalist Leyla Hamed termed Messi and his team’s actions as “bizarre” amid the ongoing conflict across the Middle East. A US football fan account on YouTube also reacted to Messi and Miami’s presence in the White House.

The event marked a unique moment where athletic prowess and military might were brought together at the White House, with Trump surveying the squad before making his address.

Source: Al Jazeera