The President of the United States Donald Trump on Thursday hosted Lionel Messi and members of Inter Miami CF at the White House to celebrate the club’s triumph in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup.
The Argentine superstar led the team delegation, which included head coach Javier Mascherano and club co-owner Jorge Mas, during the ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
Trump began the event with brief remarks on developments in the Middle East before shifting focus to Inter Miami’s remarkable season and the growing influence of football in the United States.
Reflecting on the sport’s history in the country, the president recalled watching Brazilian legend Pelé during his time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play,” Trump joked. “I don’t know, you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good.”
During the visit, the players presented Trump with several gifts, including a pink Inter Miami jersey bearing the number 47, symbolising his position as the United States’ 47th president.
Trump also praised several members of the squad, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and rising talent Tadeo Allende.
“It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel,” Trump said, making a subtle reference to the period when Messi did not attend a previous ceremony at the White House.
He went on to commend the Argentine captain’s immediate impact at the club.
“I’ve seen many great players come into sports teams with huge expectations, but they don’t always win. This guy won,” Trump said, gesturing toward Messi. “Leo, you came in and you won.”
Inter Miami’s impressive 2025 campaign included a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS Cup final. The team also recorded a historic 2–1 win against FC Porto at the Club World Cup, becoming the first North American side to defeat a European club in an official competition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mas said the club’s rise since its inaugural season in 2020 reflects the power of determination and belief.
“Our success is not only because of Lionel Messi,” he said. “These players standing behind him have changed the culture of football in the United States forever. We can now compete with the best teams in the world.”
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