United States President Donald Trump on Thursday welcomed Argentine football icon Lionel Messi and members of Inter Miami to the White House in celebration of the club’s 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup victory.
Messi led the delegation that included teammates, head coach Javier Mascherano and club co-owner Jorge Mas as they were honoured for the team’s title-winning campaign.
During the reception, Trump briefly referenced developments in the Middle East before shifting attention to Inter Miami’s achievements and the growing influence of football in the United States.
Reflecting on the history of the sport in the country, the president recalled watching Brazilian legend Pele during his famous stint with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pele play,” Trump said. “I don’t know, you (Messi) may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good.”
READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Know Your Host Cities, Stadiums For 2026 FIFA World Cup
Trump praised Messi’s impact on the club and the pressure that comes with global expectations.
“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports,” Trump said. “They come to the Yankees or they come to the Dodgers… and there’s such a clamor.
“Everything’s great, but they don’t win. This guy won,” he said, gesturing toward Messi.
“Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know because you’re sort of expected to win,” Trump added.
Read Also
ADVERTISEMENT
The president also highlighted Inter Miami’s successful season, which included their 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final.
Trump further pointed to the club’s 2–1 win over Portuguese side Porto at the Club World Cup, describing it as a landmark result that marked the first time a North American team defeated a European club in an official competition.
The players presented Trump with gifts during the visit, including a No. 47 jersey from Inter Miami’s signature pink kit, referencing his position as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump also acknowledged several members of the squad, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, rising talent Tadeo Allende and Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Responding on behalf of the club, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said the team’s rapid rise since its inaugural season in 2020 reflects the power of ambition and hard work.
“If you work hard and you sacrifice and you dream, it can be possible,” Mas said.
Mas added that the club’s global success was built on the collective effort of the squad.
“Inter Miami’s global success is not only because of Lionel Messi, but these men standing behind you have changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever,” he said. “We can play with the big boys.”
