Lisbon, Portugal – February 21, 2026 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again publicly expressed his admiration for Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, urging him to consider a move to the United States. This latest overture, reported by multiple outlets including Marca and Tribuna.com, comes as Trump continues to demonstrate a growing interest in the sport, and appears to subtly contrast Ronaldo with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
The former president’s message, delivered via a video posted on TikTok, directly addressed Ronaldo, stating, “Ronaldo, you are the greatest of all time. America needs you. Preserve it up, we hope to spot you soon over here.” This isn’t the first time Trump has publicly championed Ronaldo. in July 2025, he named Pelé as his all-time favorite footballer, seemingly overlooking both Ronaldo and Messi, as reported by Metro.co.uk. The renewed call for Ronaldo to play in the U.S. Fuels speculation that Trump hopes to see the two football icons – Ronaldo and Messi – competing on American soil.
Trump’s Growing Interest in Football
Donald Trump’s engagement with football, or soccer as it’s known in the United States, has become increasingly visible. He was recently in attendance at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey on February 9, 2026, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. While the match itself was a significant sporting event, Trump arguably drew as much attention, handing out winners’ medals alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and remaining on stage after the presentation, drawing criticism on social media for what some perceived as overshadowing the Chelsea team’s victory. This appearance underscored a broader pattern of Trump’s documented passion for sports, including golf, NFL football, baseball, and professional wrestling.
Prior to the Club World Cup final, Trump was asked to name his choice for the greatest of all time in football. He cited Pelé, recalling when the Brazilian legend played in the United States years ago, according to DAZN. This preference for Pelé, a figure from a different era of the sport, contrasts with the contemporary dominance of Ronaldo and Messi, and suggests a nostalgic view of the game. The timing of Trump’s renewed focus on Ronaldo, though, suggests a strategic interest in attracting top talent to the U.S. As the country prepares to host major international football events.
The Potential for Ronaldo in the MLS
The possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining a Major League Soccer (MLS) team has been a recurring topic of discussion among football fans and analysts. At 41 years old as of February 21, 2026, Ronaldo remains a highly skilled and marketable player, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League. His arrival in the MLS would undoubtedly generate significant media attention and boost the league’s profile, potentially rivaling the impact made by Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023. Messi’s arrival in the MLS has demonstrably increased viewership and interest in the league, and Trump appears to be hoping for a similar effect with Ronaldo.
Trump’s message can be interpreted in multiple ways. One possibility is that he is anticipating the upcoming World Cup and desires to have Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team compete in the United States. Another, more direct interpretation is that he wants Ronaldo to play in the MLS, creating a direct rivalry with Messi. Sportskeeda reported on February 21, 2026, that Trump’s message may be an invitation for Ronaldo to reignite his competition with Messi in the MLS. This potential rivalry would be a major draw for American football fans and could significantly elevate the MLS’s standing on the global stage.
Ronaldo’s Recent Activities and Fan Interactions
Cristiano Ronaldo recently experienced a chaotic encounter with fans while visiting a mall, as reported by Marca. The incident highlights his continued popularity and the intense interest surrounding his movements. This level of fan engagement underscores his marketability and the potential impact he could have on the MLS, both in terms of attendance and media coverage. Ronaldo’s global brand recognition would bring significant commercial opportunities to the league and the team he joins.
The Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry and American Football
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most iconic in sports history. For over a decade, the two players have consistently pushed each other to achieve greatness, winning numerous individual and team accolades. Their head-to-head competitions have captivated audiences worldwide, and the prospect of them competing in the same league – the MLS – is a tantalizing prospect for American football fans. Trump’s apparent desire to see this rivalry play out in the U.S. Suggests a strategic understanding of the marketing potential and fan engagement that it would generate.
The growth of football in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years, fueled by increased media coverage, youth participation, and the influx of international stars. The hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly with Canada and Mexico, is expected to further accelerate this growth. Attracting players of Ronaldo’s caliber would be a significant step in solidifying the U.S. As a major force in the world of football. The combination of Messi’s presence in Miami and the potential arrival of Ronaldo could transform the MLS into a truly global league.
While Trump’s public support for Ronaldo and his subtle critiques of Messi are noteworthy, the ultimate decision of whether or not Ronaldo will play in the MLS rests with the player himself. Factors such as financial considerations, playing style preferences, and family considerations will all play a role in his decision. However, Trump’s overtures undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of Ronaldo’s future.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming months. The MLS season is set to begin in February 2026, and teams will be actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen their rosters. Whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will be among those joining the league remains to be seen, but the possibility is certainly alive, fueled by the public encouragement of a former U.S. President.
The next key development to watch will be any official announcements from Cristiano Ronaldo or his representatives regarding his future plans. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring his social media activity and any potential negotiations with MLS teams. The coming weeks and months promise to be filled with speculation and anticipation as the football world awaits a decision that could have a significant impact on the landscape of the sport in the United States.
What are your thoughts on Donald Trump’s call for Cristiano Ronaldo to join the MLS? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow football fans!
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