President Donald Trump’s comments about Lionel Messi before Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final have reignited questions about whether his presence curses the team he supports.
In a pre-recorded interview with Fox’s Jenny Taft that aired before the game, Trump didn’t say who he wanted to win, but he did have friendly things to say about the Argentine superstar.
“I thought about it a lot. I knew it was a question. It’s not that important politically, but I don’t want to get involved,” Trump said. “I think it’s difficult to bet against Messi…I’m not going to pick a team. I just think it’s very difficult to bet against Messi. He’s great.”
Trump watched the game, but was booed when he took to the field to present the tournament trophy. The exchange between Trump and Messi was brief during the silver medal presentation.
During his time in office, Trump regularly attended sporting events, surrounded himself with sports stars, and there were multiple instances where his team lost because of his ties to Trump.
Here’s what you need to know about Trump’s possible sports curse.
USMNT nightmare performance after Trump intervention
The U.S. men’s national team ended the World Cup with a nightmarish performance, losing 4-1 to Belgium.
The match followed President Trump’s call for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the controversial red card issued to Folarin Balogun during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA has suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, allowing the star striker to play in a match that will finally end the co-hosts’ losing streak.
The Belgian Football Association mocked the decision on social media after the resounding victory, posting an image of Romal Lukaku’s celebration after the fourth goal and saying: “We will reverse this.”
The New York Knicks’ only loss in the NBA Finals came in a game in which Trump played.
The New York Knicks’ only loss in the 2026 NBA Finals came in Game 3, the only game played by a player from New York City.
Knicks fans accused President Trump of placing a “curse” on the team after a 111-115 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, ending their winning streak at 13.
This led some fans to “purify” Madison Square Garden. Kazeem Famuideh, the Emmy-winning host of the Knicks’ podcast “Big Apple Buckets,” posted a video of himself and friends holding sage outside MSG.
The Knicks won the series in five games.
Lions collapse immediately after manager loses game watched by President Trump
In November 2025, Trump attended a Washington Commanders game where the Detroit Lions defeated them 44-22.
He received mixed reactions at FedEx Field.
During the win, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated his touchdown with a “tramp dance” and apologized. The Lions collapsed after the win against the Commanders, losing five of their last eight games and missing out on the playoffs. Former NFL wide receiver Kenny Stills responded to a social media post about the Lions’ record after the game against the Commanders, calling it “Trump’s curse.”
Trump plays in Ryder Cup, US loses
President Trump attended the first day of competition at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage’s Black Course on Long Island, New York.
After the morning round, the United States was losing 3-1 to Europe, but President Trump told reporters: “We’re going to get it done. Either way, we’re going to get it done.” The United States ended the day trailing by 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 by the end of the day.
Europe won the tournament 15-13, and the president of the PGA of America apologized, saying the chants against the European team were “disrespectful.”
Contributors: Joey Garrison, Fernando Cervantes, Kinsey Crowley – america today
