Video: Messi Shirt Burned in Iran

Context and Reactions

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's visit to the White House, where they met President Donald Trump to celebrate their first league title, sparked a wave of controversy, particularly in several Middle Eastern nations, and drew international attention.

This occurred amid ongoing protests against military actions by the United States against Iran days earlier, causing widespread disruption across the Arab world and the Gulf region-wide today globally.

Social media circulated clips showing Iranian children burning shirts bearing Argentine star's name, a symbolic display of rejection of his presence with the American president, who used the moment to frame political messages about the war with Iran.

During the ceremony, Trump praised Messi's achievement, while Messi presented him with a unique pink ball embedded with jewels, as a whimsical nod to Inter Miami's kits.

Punchlines: If diplomacy had a midfield, Messi would be captain. Punchline 2: Pink gifts beat press conferences.