United States President Donald Trump hosted Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi and his teammates from Inter Miami CF at the White House on Thursday to celebrate the club’s victory in the 2025 MLS Cup.
Messi led the delegation as Inter Miami players, head coach Javier Mascherano, and team co-owner Jorge Mas joined Trump during the ceremony in Washington. The event was organised to recognise the club’s successful 2025 campaign, which ended with their historic MLS Cup triumph.
Trump opened the event with brief remarks touching on ongoing military developments in the Middle East before shifting focus to football and Inter Miami’s achievement. During his speech, he reflected on the impact legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé had on the growth of soccer in the United States 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 said during the ceremony. “I don’t know, you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good.”
As part of the celebration, the Inter Miami players presented Trump with a customised jersey from the club’s iconic pink kit. The jersey bore the number 47, referencing Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States.
Trump also took time to acknowledge several players from the championship-winning squad. Among those he praised were Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, emerging talent Tadeo Allende, and Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
During his remarks, Trump made a subtle reference to former U.S. president Joe Biden while welcoming Messi to the White House. He noted that no previous American president had formally hosted the Argentine football star at the presidential residence.
“It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel,” Trump said.
Trump also praised Messi’s remarkable influence on the team since joining Inter Miami, noting the immense expectations placed on the global football icon.
“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports,” Trump said. “Everything’s great, but they don’t win. This guy won. Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure on you than anyone would know because you’re expected to win.”
