Donald Trump has come under fire online after offering his own take on England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, with many suggesting he should focus on politics instead.
Before Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which the president is expected to attend, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared alongside Trump at a Trump Tower event held for national federations and guests.
The remarks came just two days after England’s 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina in Atlanta, a match that ended their bid to reach the final and set up a bronze-medal play-off against France.
During the media appearance, Trump shared his thoughts on Argentina’s late winner against England, the goal that sent the South American team through to the final.
The president said: ” I know about sports and I know about a little bit about soccer, but I watched Messi and he was well guarded… And all of a sudden he’s standing on the right. I just noticed it. Nobody talked about it. I just noticed it.
“He’s so well guarded by a great player and then he [Messi] moved to the right and the other player was just standing there.”
His comments quickly drew ridicule on social media, with many viewers baffled by the analysis.
One person wrote: “What the actual f*** is he talking about?”
Another added: “He’s real sharp. Doesn’t miss a thing,” while a third said: “He knows zero about football.”
Trump also questioned Thomas Tuchel’s approach, arguing that England became too defensive too soon during the match, especially in the way Harry Kane was used.
Joining further criticism of England’s tactics, Trump said: “You have a great player in England, who I play golf with, you know that, right? And he is Harry, who has been fantastic
“I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player – what do I know about soccer?
“They took the lead and they took their best player and they put him on defence” the president said to laughter in the room.
“But somehow, now – we’ve got to be a little offensive, right? But no, I’m not going to call it. Look, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual.”
People online also had plenty to say about those remarks, with one posting on X: “Getting dissed by Trump is a new low for you Mr Tuchel,”
Another wrote: “Trump is adding insult to injury.”
Tuchel was later asked about the president’s remarks during a press conference ahead of England’s bronze-medal match against France on Saturday, July 18.
The England boss responded: “You use Donald Trump as your witness for the case? We defended in a deep block. That’s what you do if you defend in a block.
“We defend as a ten and as an eleven. And if we are pushed back to a deep block, everyone defends them in a deep block.”
England’s campaign has already drawn intense scrutiny after their semi-final exit, while Trump’s comments have added another unexpected layer of commentary to the tournament’s final days.