Messi is visiting the White House for the first time since his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, attended a dinner there last November.
By Kehinde Okeowo
United States President Donald Trump has compared Lionel Messi to Brazilian legend Pelé during the Argentine football star’s visit to the White House on Thursday.
He made the comparison at a reception held in honour of Inter Miami after the club won the MLS Cup for the first time in their history.
The event marked the first time the 39-year-old Argentina international has visited the White House since his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, attended a dinner there last November.
While addressing Messi, who was at the ceremony alongside his Inter Miami teammates, Trump hailed both him and Ronaldo, adding that his son, Barron, is a devoted fan of both players.
ALSO READ: Scholes slams Carrick after Man United’s 2-1 loss to 10-man Newcastle
The US President said: “My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’
“So, he’s a big football fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great.”
Trump, while comparing Messi and Pelé—who played for the New York Cosmos in the US—suggested that the Argentine might even be better than the late Brazilian star.
“You may be better than Pelé,” Trump said, before asking the crowd: “Who’s better?”
