Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sent an unusual message of admiration to Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting America's reliance on him. The message comes just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting in June. In a TikTok video, Trump addresses Ronaldo, calling him 'the greatest of all time' and stating, 'We need you in America, get going now, we need you quick.' The message was accompanied by AI-generated imagery of Trump and Ronaldo playing soccer together, further adding to the video's distinctiveness.

The video, which was posted on a Friday night, quickly gained traction, attracting nearly a million views and inciting various interpretations of Trump's ambiguous invitation. Some viewers speculated that Trump was extending an invitation for Ronaldo to join Major League Soccer in the U.S., while others took it as a call for the Portuguese national team captain to participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The title of the video, 'A message from the greatest in history to the other great,' has drawn attention for its odd phrasing, raising questions about Trump's true intentions behind the message.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the intersection of sports, politics, and celebrity culture becomes more pronounced. Trump's use of social media and AI to craft his message reflects modern tactics in public communication, aimed at engaging a global audience. This incident underscores the influence of high-profile athletes like Ronaldo, whose presence in American soccer could significantly impact the perception and popularity of the sport in the country, potentially drawing more fans as the World Cup looms.