US President Donald Trump is being mocked on social media after giving his tactical insight following Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Trump raised eyebrows with critical comments about Thomas Tuchel’s use of England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane during the closing stages of Wednesday’s match at the Atlanta Stadium.

The 80-year-old also provided his thoughts on the impact of Lionel Messi, Argentina’s talismanic captain who inspired the comeback by providing the assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

Messi, 39, now leads the race for the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Ball (best player) accolades, as well as the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

The Inter Miami forward will further cement his status, in the eyes of many, as the greatest footballer of all time if he successfully helps Argentina defend their World Cup trophy this weekend.

Trump Reveals Messi Tactical Observation

Image credit: REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump explained he noticed something with Messi that “nobody talked about” during the England game.

“I watched Messi and he was well guarded, right? Well guarded,” Trump said. “And all of a sudden he’s standing on the right – do you understand [pointing to a reporter] what I’m talking about?

“I said ‘he’s still well guarded by a great player’ and then… [Messi] moved to the right, and the other player was just standing there. And [Messi] had plenty of time, kicked it, it was within a quarter of an inch of being perfect. That was the end of the game, it was brilliant.” Watch the clip below:

REUTERS/Stephanie Scarbrough

Trump is being mocked by football fans after trying to take credit for spotting Messi had drifted wide to the right flank.

One person wrote on X (Twitter): “‘Nobody talked about it’? What an utter fool,” while another added:

A third wrote: “‘Nobody talked about it’ – Soccer expert Donald J. Trump.”

While a fourth tweeted: ‘He can see what nobody else can, it’s incredible.”

A fifth football fan said: “This fella is comedy gold,” while a sixth commented:

Aside from England’s defensive approach after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, Messi moving to the right wing (not for the first time at this summer’s World Cup) in order to find space in the second half was the most notable and discussed tactical moment of the match.

It was from the right wing that Messi setup both of Argentina’s goals. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even noted after the match: “Getting Messi on the wing was the key for us.”

Newcastle United are monitoring a potential transfer bid for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo this summer as Eddie Howe prepares to work with a new-look Magpies squad.

The North East outfit have already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave the club and Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a top transfer target for Premier League champions Arsenal.

Newcastle United have added Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and Sean Steur to their squad but none provide the Premier League experience lost by outgoings.

The Magpies join Brighton in keeping a close eye on Diallo, who is contracted at Old Trafford until 2030, although it is currently Serie A giants AC Milan who are frontrunners for a deal.

AC Milan frontrunners for Amad Diallo transfer

CaughtOffside reports that AC Milan are prepared to test Man United’s determination to hold on to the 24-year-old. Diallo was a regular starter under Michael Carrick last term but an exit is not out of the question, with the winger scoring just two goals in 33 appearances last season.

The outlet claims that the Red Devils have little reason to push through the sale of Diallo, who is still a valued part of Carrick’s work at the club, despite his barren run in front of goal.

AC Milan are now under the stewardship of former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim, who is said to be in the market for a ‘young and inventive winger’ to bring to the San Siro. Diallo would fit that brief.

United would only consider a sale should Diallo push for the exit, and Amorim’s close relationship with the player could help when it comes to personal terms.

Diallo was especially disappointed to see the Portuguese coach sacked last season. After Amorim was given his marching orders, the winger said: “I was a bit sad because he’s the coach who gave me more visibility and more opportunities to play for Manchester United.

“I was very sad. I even sent him a message to thank him for everything he did for me, both in my life and especially in my career.

“We had a very good relationship, almost like a father-and-son relationship. He understood me, gave me a lot of advice, and let me play freely. It’s very unfortunate, but that’s life. You have to adapt, that’s football.”

Newcastle United wingers linked with St James’ Park exit

Newcastle United have just spent £43 million on Hoffenheim winger Touré, who is a like-for-like replacement for Gordon on the left wing.

While Diallo can play off the left, the former Sunderland man is more regularly deployed on the right and would offer a different profile for Howe.

The Magpies manager currently has Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy as options on the right, with Harvey Barnes also able to play in that position.

Murphy has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Everton this summer, with Barnes a potential target for Aston Villa – although those reports came before confirmation of the £19 million UEFA fine.

Man Utd paid £37 million to sign Diallo from Atalanta in 2021 and would likely command a fee of double that to consider an unexpected summer exit.