Lionel Messi received a special welcome at the White House where Donald Trump hosted a ceremony celebrating Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory from last season. The historic event marked the first time an MLS champion team had been invited to the White House during Trump’s presidency.
During the ceremony the US president praised Messi’s incredible football career and joked that the Argentine superstar might even rival Brazilian legend Pelé. Trump asked the audience who they believed was the greatest footballer while pointing toward Messi and suggesting the Inter Miami captain could be better than the iconic three-time World Cup winner.
Trump also shared that his son Barron is a huge admirer of Messi and follows the sport closely. While speaking about football icons he mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo describing both global stars as extraordinary players admired by fans worldwide.
Messi attended the ceremony alongside several members of the Inter Miami organisation including co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano. Teammate Luis Suárez was also present during the event which celebrated the club’s MLS Cup triumph.
Other prominent guests included MLS commissioner Don Garber former baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and members of the administration involved with preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
During the gathering Trump called out Rodrigo De Paul while praising the Inter Miami squad and joking about the team’s players. The lighthearted moment brought laughter from the attendees as the president congratulated the club on its success.
Messi presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami football as a gesture of appreciation. In return the club’s leadership gifted the president a team jersey along with a commemorative watch to mark the occasion.
The visit highlighted the growing popularity of Major League Soccer in the United States and underscored Messi’s massive global influence since joining Inter Miami.
