Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- Soccer Legend Rips Team USA ... 'A Big Joke'

Swedish soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- considered one of the best players in the world -- just ripped Team USA soccer ... at least, we think he did.

The 32-year-old Swedish-born striker was out at Boa Steakhouse in L.A. over the weekend -- instead of Brazil -- because Sweden didn't qualify for the World Cup tournament

So, while he was in town ... we asked who he thinks will take home the title.

His response -- "USA."

We asked if he was joking. He shot back -- "A big joke."

Dude, did Zlatan just talk smack??

Pretty ballsy for a guy who's team couldn't crack the top 32 ... then again, the Team USA coach would probably agree with him.