Trump reaches World Cup final: 'It's hard to bet against Messi'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made an appearance at the World Cup final held at the New York/New Jersey stadium, where Argentina faced Spain. Arriving at the venue, Trump shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated match.

Speaking to Fox Sports shortly before kickoff, Trump stated that he did not have a preferred team. However, he acknowledged the formidable talent of Argentinian star Lionel Messi. "The president of Argentina is a good friend of mine, he has done a great job. But what I can say is that it is difficult to bet against (Lionel) Messi," Trump remarked. He added, "I'm not going to pick favorites. I just know I wouldn't bet against Messi. He's great."

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The president of Argentina is a good friend of mine, he has done a great job. But what I can say is that it is difficult to bet against (Lionel) Messi.

Trump was positioned in a prominent seat in the VIP section, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, King Felipe VI of Spain, and other notable figures including the presidents of Mexico and Canada. Once settled in his secure box, Trump was seen greeting and shaking hands with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez and Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The encounter between Trump and Sánchez marked a reunion, as they had last met at the NATO summit in Ankara earlier in July. Their interaction occurred despite Trump's previous criticisms of Sánchez's government, particularly regarding Spain's defense budget contributions to NATO and its stance against U.S. military action in Iran.

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I'm not going to pick favorites. I just know I wouldn't bet against Messi. He's great.