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US President Donald Trump is using sports and star athletes like Messi and Ronaldo to boost his global visibility.
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He often combines political messages with sporting events, creating moments that attract media attention.
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This tactic spans international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Winter Paralympics, as well as domestic events.
Trump has a unique way of connecting with the sports world, whether it’s at the upcoming 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milano-Cortina or during the buildup to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The link between global politics and high-level sports has been growing, with Trump using these occasions to place himself in the spotlight.
Recently, Inter Miami celebrated its first-ever MLS Cup victory with a reception at the White House, where captain Lionel Messi gifted President Trump a signed Miami pink soccer ball along with a jersey and a watch from co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano.
This visit marked Messi’s first trip to the White House since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, similar to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s visit to a White House dinner last November.
Amid rising global tensions, the 2026 Winter Paralympics are scheduled to occur under the Olympic Truce, a tradition of halting conflicts during the Games. However, a US and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, just six days before the opening ceremony, led to Iran’s only qualified Paralympian withdrawing due to safety concerns.
Trump’s interaction with athletes continued during the Inter Miami event, where he stood with Messi and Jorge Mas in the East Room while sharing the stage with MLS commissioner Don Garber and FIFA World Cup 2026 task force executive director Andrew Giuliani.
After a nine-minute speech, Trump mentioned the team’s victory while discussing the ongoing US-Iran conflict, issues with Cuba, and his view on the US economy, all while Messi and his teammates stood behind him.
Trump frequently includes notable athletes in his appearances, mentioning Ronaldo and celebrating Inter Miami’s diverse roster, while noting his son’s admiration for both Messi and Ronaldo.
While Messi typically avoids political discussions, Trump’s presence influences how these visits are perceived in terms of visibility and influence.
This trend was also seen with Iran’s national football team in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On March 12, 2026, Trump remarked on Truth Social that while the Iran National Soccer Team was invited to the World Cup, he believed it was inappropriate for them to attend due to safety concerns.
Iranian officials later confirmed participation would be impossible, citing ongoing military tensions with the US and Israel, despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino stating Iran could compete, highlighting a clash between commercial interests and security issues.
Domestically, Trump has also been involved in sports discussions, notably with the US men’s and women’s hockey teams. After the men’s team triumphed over Canada, Trump congratulated them, joking that he would have to invite the women’s team or risk being impeached—a comment criticized as sexist.
While the men attended the White House, the women’s team declined due to scheduling conflicts. Trump’s involvement in these events emphasizes the visibility of stars like Messi and Ronaldo, exposing them to greater scrutiny and criticism.
Trump is also making headlines for reaffirming his administration’s gender policy in sports, signing an executive order stating there are only two genders and maintaining that men will not participate in women’s events at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Looking ahead, Trump’s role in sports is expected to grow with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, as well as the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.