Trump Issues Bold TikTok Invitation to Cristiano Ronaldo, Reigniting Soccer’s "GOAT" Debate
In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the political and sporting worlds, President Donald Trump has taken to social media to personally court Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a viral TikTok video, the U.S. President dubbed Ronaldo the "greatest of all time" (GOAT), a statement widely viewed as a deliberate swipe at Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.
The message comes as the United States prepares for a massive year in soccer, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon.
"America Needs You": The Presidential Proposal
The video, which quickly amassed millions of views, features President Trump speaking directly to the Al-Nassr striker. The tone was both admiring and urgent:
"Ronaldo, you are the greatest of all time. America needs you. Keep it up, we hope to see you soon over here," Trump stated in the clip.
Analysts are divided on the President's true intent. While some believe the message is a promotional push for the upcoming World Cup, others suggest Trump is lobbying for Ronaldo to join Major League Soccer (MLS).
A potential Ronaldo move to a U.S. club would create a domestic rivalry with Messi, echoing their legendary battles in Spain's La Liga.
The Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry Hits American Shores
By labeling Ronaldo as the "GOAT," Trump has waded into soccer’s most contested debate. Lionel Messi has dominated the American soccer narrative since his move to Inter Miami, leading the team through a historic year of MLS and Champions League campaigns.
Trump’s public preference for Ronaldo adds a political layer to the sporting rivalry. It isn't the first time the President has linked his family's interests to the Portuguese star.
During a high-profile dinner last November—attended by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Elon Musk—Trump revealed that his son, Barron, is a devoted follower of the athlete.
"Barron met him, and I think now my son respects his father a little more simply because I introduced him to Ronaldo," Trump joked during the event.
Soccer Diplomacy and the 2026 World Cup
President Trump’s recent "soccer diplomacy" coincides with his growing interest in the sport as the U.S. prepares to co-host the World Cup.
Bringing Ronaldo to the United States—whether as a tournament headliner or a permanent league fixture—is seen as a strategic move to boost the country’s sporting profile and commercial revenue.
As Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of 900 career goals in Miami, the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo arriving in the States to challenge that legacy is no longer just a fan's dream—it now has the backing of the White House.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the excitement surrounding the United States (USMNT) and Portugal is at an all-time high. With the tournament expanding to a 48-team format, both nations have been placed into challenging groups with matches spanning the North American continent.
Here is the breakdown of the group stage schedules for both teams.
USA: Group D Schedule
As one of the host nations, the United States will play all three of its group stage matches on home soil, primarily on the West Coast.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | Paraguay | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 9:00 PM |
| June 19, 2026 | Australia | Lumen Field, Seattle | 6:00 PM |
| June 25, 2026 | UEFA Playoff C* | Levi's Stadium, San Francisco | 9:00 PM |
*Playoff C winner will be determined in March 2026 from among Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, or Romania.
Portugal: Group K Schedule
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will spend their group stage tour moving between Texas and Florida. Group K features a mix of veteran powers and rising debutants.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Intercontinental Playoff 1* | NRG Stadium, Houston | 1:00 PM |
| June 23, 2026 | Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium, Houston | 1:00 PM |
| June 27, 2026 | Colombia | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 7:30 PM |
*Intercontinental Playoff 1 winner will be one of DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia.
Key Storylines to Watch
The Houston Residency: Portugal is one of the few teams playing back-to-back matches in the same city (Houston), giving Ronaldo’s squad a "home base" advantage early on.
The Debutants: Portugal will face Uzbekistan in their second match, a nation making its historic World Cup debut in 2026.
USMNT West Coast Swing: The U.S. team is utilizing the "Cascadia" and California corridor, ensuring massive home-field support but requiring significant travel between Seattle and the Bay Area.
