BREAKING: VIDEO: I Watched that Pass that Messi Made ; It Was Brilliant – Donald Trump

According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday, July 18, 2026, United States President Donald Trump has praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi for his decisive contribution in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England, describing one of the football icon’s passes as “brilliant.”

Trump made the remarks during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as excitement continued to build ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Speaking about Messi’s match-winning moment, Trump said he was impressed not only by the Argentine’s technical ability but also by his composure under pressure.

“I watched that pass that Messi made,” Trump said. “He was well guarded by a great player and then he moved to the right, and the other player was just standing there. It was within, I would say, a quarter of an inch of being perfect. And that was the end of the game. It was brilliant.”

He added that football’s greatest stars consistently produce moments of brilliance that separate them from everyone else.

“These great players seem to do that over and over again. They’re just born with something extra,” Trump said.

Messi’s perfectly weighted pass set up Lautaro Martinez for the decisive goal that secured Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals, sending the defending champions into another World Cup final. The assist has been widely praised by football fans and analysts as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

Trump also used the occasion to praise other football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and England captain Harry Kane. He recalled his relationship with Ronaldo and described the Portuguese forward as one of the players blessed with exceptional natural talent.

Turning his attention to England’s semi-final defeat, Trump questioned manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach after the Three Lions took the lead.

According to the US president, England made a costly mistake by asking Harry Kane to take on a more defensive role instead of allowing the striker to continue leading the attack.

Trump suggested that the tactical adjustment reduced England’s attacking threat and ultimately helped Argentina seize control of the contest.

The US president also commended FIFA President Gianni Infantino for overturning the controversial red card issued to United States forward Folarin Balogun earlier in the tournament, arguing that the decision prevented unnecessary controversy and ensured fair competition.

Trump is expected to attend the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, where Messi will aim to lead his country to another world title against a Spanish side spearheaded by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The final is being billed as one of the biggest sporting events of the year, with millions of fans around the world expected to tune in.