Is there a Trump sports curse? Argentina loss after Messi comments reignite possibility - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that President Donald Trump’s remarks about Lionel Messi before Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain renewed online speculation about a so-called “Trump sports curse.” In a pre-recorded Fox interview aired before the match, Trump avoided formally choosing a winner but praised Messi, saying it was difficult to bet against him. USA Today said Trump had also criticized Spain at a NATO summit in Ankara, calling the country a poor alliance partner and saying the U.S. did not want trade with Spain.

The article framed the Argentina result as part of a broader pattern cited by fans and commentators, while treating the “curse” idea as speculation rather than fact. Trump attended the final and was booed when he came onto the field to present trophies, according to USA Today. His exchange with Messi during the medal ceremony was described as brief.

USA Today listed several recent sports examples linked to Trump’s presence or comments. The U.S. men’s national team lost 4-1 to Belgium after Trump had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension. The New York Knicks’ only loss in the 2026 NBA Finals came in the one game Trump attended, though they later won the series. The report also noted a Washington Commanders game Trump attended, after which the victorious Detroit Lions struggled late in the season.

The article also cited the 2025 Ryder Cup, where Trump attended the opening day before the U.S. fell behind and eventually lost to Europe. The significance is cultural rather than analytical: USA Today highlighted how Trump’s visibility at major sporting events has become part of fan narratives when teams he appears to favor or visits subsequently lose.