The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw | OneFootball

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The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw | OneFootball

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·6 December 2025

The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw

Article image:The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw

The US President praises both legends but picks the Brazilian icon as football’s number one

Article image:The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw

The Brazilian legend the greatest of all time: Donald Trump weighs in on Messi–Ronaldo debate at World Cup draw

OneFootball Videos

United States President Donald Trump addressed the most polarising question in world football "the Messi–Ronaldo debate" during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday.

“I was faster than Messi but not at their level”

“I played soccer before but I wasn’t at Ronald or Messi’s level, of course. I think I was a little faster than Messi but obviously not as good as either of them.”

On the Messi–Ronaldo comparison

Trump refused to pick between the two modern icon calling both exceptional:

“Messi & Ronaldo are both wonderful players. Messi is great and Ronaldo is great too.”

Trump’s definitive answer: Pelw stands alone

When pressed to choose the greatest in history, the US President gave firm verdict:

“In my opinion, Pele is the greatest football player of all time.”

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