Messi criticised after applauding during Trump remarks on Iran conflict
Lionel Messi has faced criticism online after footage appeared to show members of Inter Miami’s squad applauding during remarks by Donald Trump about the United States’ military actions against Iran.
Clips from the moment quickly circulated on social media, prompting debate among journalists and football fans about whether the players’ reaction was appropriate given the subject of the speech.
Trump addresses Inter Miami players
According to The New York Times, Trump spoke in front of Inter Miami players and staff while discussing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including joint military operations involving the United States and Israel.
“The U.S. military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule,” Trump said.
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He added: “We are destroying more of Iran’s missiles and drone capability every single hour … We want to fight now more than they do. We’ve had 47 years, depending on the way you count it, 47 years of horror with this group.”
Footage shared online appeared to show some players applauding following the remarks, which triggered strong reactions from commentators.
Journalists criticise players’ reaction
Sports journalist Leyla Hamed criticised the moment in a post on X, writing: “Donald Trump casually announces more illegal bombing of Iran in front of the entire Inter Miami squad.”
She added: “Hundreds of children have been killed in Iran in the last few days. Lionel Messi and his teammates respond with applause. Bizarre.”
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Palestinian journalist Abubaker Abed also condemned the reaction, posting: “Truly disgusting. First Ronaldo and second Messi applauding. Football is dead. Messi and Ronaldo are finishing off their careers with a deplorable and unprofessional chapter.”
Some fans defend Messi
Others online suggested Messi may not have fully understood what Trump said during the speech.
The Argentine forward has previously spoken about regretting not learning English earlier in his life. Speaking on the Miro de Atras podcast, he explained that the language barrier has sometimes limited his ability to communicate in certain situations.
“To not have learned English as a boy. I had the time to have at least studied English and I didn't do it. I deeply regret it,” Messi said.
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He added: “I experienced situations where I was with incredible and spectacular personalities to be able to talk and have a chat and you feel half ignorant.”
Debate over athletes and politics
Some supporters argued that Messi may simply have followed the reaction of those around him rather than responding directly to the content of the speech.
One user on X wrote: “I’m a Ronaldo fan and could easily jump on this and say Messi is a bad person but he doesn’t even understand English. He probably just saw everyone applauding and went with it.”
Hamed rejected that explanation, replying: “Exactly. The world knows who Trump is. People need to stop infantilising athletes seriously.”
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The moment has since developed into a broader online debate about how athletes respond to political moments and whether public figures have a responsibility to react differently when global conflicts are discussed.
Sources: New York Times, Goal
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