Trump Weighs In on Football’s GOAT Debate, Says Pelé, Messi and Ronaldo Are All Greats

 United States President Donald Trump has joined one of football’s longest-running debates, refusing to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while paying tribute to Brazilian legend Pelé.

Speaking during an interview with FOX Sports amid the FIFA World Cup, Trump acknowledged the extraordinary achievements of both modern-day superstars but said his admiration for football dates back to watching Pelé play in the United States.

“Messi is great and Ronaldo is great. And I hate to say this, but I’ve watched Pelé when he was with the Cosmos.”

Trump recalled watching Pelé during the Brazilian icon’s time with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL), describing the three-time World Cup winner as one of the greatest players he has ever seen.

“I got to see Pelé play, and he was great. Look, these are great players.”

The U.S. president added that football has produced many legendary talents beyond Messi and Ronaldo, mentioning France captain Kylian Mbappé despite the forward’s difficult outing in France’s final match of the tournament.

“There are some others. Look at France—he had a little rough game the last time, but he’s certainly one of the greats.”

Trump also revealed that much of his football knowledge comes from his youngest son, Barron Trump, whom he described as a passionate follower of the sport.

“I get this information from my son Barron. My son Barron is a tremendous soccer fan.”

He added that the current generation of footballers continues to impress him.

“You have some other really incredible players playing here.”

Although he stopped short of naming a definitive Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Trump admitted he has long admired both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

“But I would say right now, I mean, I’ve always liked Ronaldo. I’ve always liked Messi.”

Trump has frequently commented on football during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, previously praising Messi’s vision and movement after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England while also questioning England manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to deploy Harry Kane in a deeper role.

His latest remarks are likely to reignite the endless GOAT debate among football fans, with supporters of Pelé, Messi and Ronaldo each pointing to their respective achievements.

Pelé remains the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups, Ronaldo holds numerous goalscoring records across club and international football, while Messi’s career includes multiple Ballon d’Or titles, World Cup success and countless club honours.

Rather than declaring one player the greatest, Trump chose to celebrate all three, saying football has been fortunate to witness several generations of extraordinary talent.