Lionel Messi's meeting with Donald Trump at the White House has sparked a strong political debate in Argentina and on social media.
The Argentine star was in Washington with his team Inter Miami CF for the ceremony after winning the 2025 MLS Cup, but the moment turned controversial when the US president used the event to talk about the war with Iran and regime change in Cuba.
Messi has not publicly commented on politics and remained silent during the ceremony, but a handshake with Trump became a topic of debate in Argentina.
Some critics accused him of getting close to the US president, while right-wing supporters interpreted the meeting as a political signal.
Even the president of Argentina, Javier Milli, reacted on social media, welcoming the moment and making irony towards the political left.
Messi has avoided getting involved in politics for years, but this appearance at the White House has brought him into a strong storm of political controversy for the first time.
