Argentinian President Javier Milei, a key ally of the Trump administration, praised a handshake between Messi and the president, while critics accused Messi of cozying up to the president. The controversy has spread beyond Argentina, with some focusing on Messi's body language during the meeting. Despite this, Messi has not commented on the White House event. Some soccer experts have downplayed the controversy, pointing out that Messi was the captain of a team receiving an award from a president who wasn't even his own.