US President Donald Trump has concluded the long-standing debate between Lionel Messi and Pele.
Football fans have over the years had debate over comparisons between the Inter Miami captain and Brazilian legend Pele.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Trump said he watched Pele’s game when he was young saying he is ‘pretty good’.
At a point, Trump asked the people is Pele better than Messi or the Argentina captain is the champion.
He said “You will say I am old when I say this, but I watched Pele’s game at the time he was playing for Cosmos.”
Adding that “Steve Ross was a friend and he was on top. He started the Cosmos team and was looking for a good players so he started with Pele.” Trump recounted.
Initiating the debate infront of the crowd, the US President questioned Messi “I don’t you know you may be better than Pele. He (Pele) was pretty good. Who is better?
His question sparked a lot of reactions among the crowd and he concluded.
“Is it Messi or Pele? I think is him (Messi). But Pele was pretty good.” Trump stated.
Several members of Inter Miami club including the owner Jorge Mas were at the White House as part of their successful MLS season celebration.
The owner of the team and Messi presented Inter Miami jersey jersey to Trump bearing his name.
The debate between two famous players has been going on among sports fans.
Source: Elvisanokye.com