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Lionel Messi Faces Backlash for Applauding Donald Trump's Iran War Brief: 'Normalization of Atrocity'
Messi applauded Trump’s boast about U.S. military strikes on Iran, drawing criticism as over 1,200 Iranians, including 300 children, have died, according to social media users.
- On March 6, 2026, Lionel Messi attended a White House ceremony with Inter Miami CF and presented a bedazzled commemorative ball to President Donald Trump, later applauding during the president’s remarks.
- President Donald Trump said the United States and its allies were destroying Iran's capabilities, claiming 'Their navy is gone- 24 ships in three days.' and that missiles and launchers were 'about 60% and 64%' gone.
- Social media users and critics reacted strongly after the footage went viral, accusing Messi of normalising atrocity amid reported casualties in Iran: 1,200 dead including 300 children.
- Critics said the episode damaged Messi's image while Inter Miami CF and Messi did not respond to The Associated Press, and Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami head coach, said contact with Trump was limited and ceremonial on Friday.
- Until Thursday, Messi's appearance at the U.S. event contrasts with Maradona's outspoken stance, prompting critics to invoke the late Argentine icon's anti‑American views, as analysts like Kirk Bowman suggest limited political involvement for Messi.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Lionel Messi faces backlash for applauding Donald Trump's Iran war brief: 'Normalization of atrocity'
Lionel Messi is facing backlash on social media after applauding during Donald Trump’s speech at a White House event where the US president spoke about the ongoing Iran-Israel war. Messi was attending an event held for Inter Miami CF.
Messi gets absolutely dragged for applauding Trump's war boasting
Footballer Lionel Messi has gone from hero to zero in a moment after appearing on camera applauding US dictator Donald Trump’s boasting about his “Epstein class” illegal war on Iran and smiling as Trump praised himself for starving Cuba. A legacy destroyed in a moment. As Tere Felipe commented: Trump explains how the United States is doing a “great job” bombing Iran, and Lionel Messi and his teammates applaud him. There is no excuse for this whe…
Messi Censured For Meeting And Applauding Trump Amid US Attacks On Iran
Lionel Messi has been criticised for meeting United States President Donald Trump and applauding his latest brief on the Iran war at an White House event honouring the Argentinian superstar and his Inter Miami team. Messi drew high praise from Trump in Washington, DC on Thursday, but the Miami captain received backlash on social media for meeting and applauding the US president. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Miami beat the Vanc…
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