Diego Maradona’s old Trump criticism resurfaces after Messi moment

March 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lionel Messi’s visit to the White House this week has sparked debate among football fans after footage showed the Argentine star applauding during remarks by US President Donald Trump.

Messi attended the event alongside his Inter Miami teammates, who were invited to Washington following the club’s recent success in Major League Soccer. During the ceremony, Trump referenced an ongoing US military campaign against Iran, prompting applause from some attendees including Messi in widely shared video clips.

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The moment quickly circulated across social media, where some fans criticised the Argentina captain for appearing to applaud the comments. Others defended him, noting that Messi has historically avoided political debates and rarely comments on global affairs.

The incident has also revived comparisons with another legendary Argentine footballer whose relationship with politics was very different: Diego Maradona.

While Messi built a reputation for keeping his public statements focused almost entirely on football, Maradona frequently used his platform to speak about international politics and social issues.

That contrast has resurfaced online, with some fans recalling remarks Maradona made in 2019 while managing Mexican club Dorados de Sinaloa.

According to the Morning Star, Maradona criticised the United States and its leadership following Dorados’ victory over Tampico Madero.

“I want to dedicate this triumph to [Venezuela President] Nicolas Maduro and to all Venezuelans who are suffering,” Maradona said after the match.

“The sheriffs of the world – who are these Yankees? Just because they have the biggest bombs in the world they think are so much more advanced than us. No, they are not.”

Maradona also took aim directly at Trump during the same comments.

“We don’t buy that ‘chirolita’ they have as president,” he said, referencing a well-known Argentine ventriloquist puppet that he used as an insult.

Throughout his life, Maradona openly supported several Latin American political leaders, including Cuba’s Fidel Castro and Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, whom he once described as a “dear friend”.

The resurfaced quotes have fuelled debate among fans online. Some argue that Maradona known for his outspoken criticism of the United States would never have applauded a speech by Trump.

Others say the comparison highlights a long-standing difference between the two icons: while Maradona embraced political expression, Messi has largely chosen to stay out of it.

Despite their contrasting public personalities, both players remain central figures in Argentina’s football history, with their brilliance on the pitch continuing to invite comparisons long after their careers took different paths.

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Sources: Morning Star, La Nación, agency reports.