Justin Trudeau takes swipe at Donald Trump after Canada beat US in ice hockey match

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a strong message to the United States on Thursday night after Team Canada emerged victorious 3-2 in an overtime win against Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship. Trudeau did not hold back before the game, posting a fiery statement on X: "You can’t take our country, and you can’t take our game."

Connor McDavid's overtime goal ensured victory for the Canadians after both the teams were at 2-2 until 8:18, when the third goal was scored.

Escalating political tensions

The game took place amid a political rift between Trudeau and Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly teased Canadian lawmakers about Canada becoming the 51st US state and has even referred to Trudeau as the "governor" of Canada.

Trump has further escalated tensions and made repeated statements about annexing Canada: "You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security," Trump said at a press conference at his Florida Mar-a Lago home on Tuesday.

"Canada and the United States, that would really be something." Trump said.

Fans boo national anthem

Politics and sports clashed earlier this month when NHL and NBA fans booed "The Star-Spangled Banner" following Trump’s announcement of tariffs against Canada.

The booing escalated during the 4 Nations Face-Off, especially in Montreal, where Canadian fans loudly jeered the US national anthem. Their frustration boiled over in a fiery first matchup between the teams, resulting in three fights within nine seconds.

At TD Garden in Boston, Canadian fans countered a small wave of boos by passionately singing "O Canada." American fans quickly followed with their own rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," showcasing the intensity and pride on both sides.

While the US won the first game of the tournament, Canada had the last word with their thrilling championship victory.