Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were honoured at the White House on Thursday by President Donald Trump following their 2025 MLS Cup victory.
Messi led the group as Miami players, head coach Javier Mascherano and club co-owner Jorge Mas stood alongside Trump, who began the event with remarks on military operations in the Middle East.
He later shifted focus to Inter Miami’s success in the 2025 season and also recalled the impact of Brazilian legend Pelé during his time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, which helped spark widespread interest in soccer across the United States.
“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.” The players came bearing gifts for Trump, including a No. 47 jersey from the team’s signature pink kit, reflecting his status as the nation’s 47th president.
From Trump there were shout-outs to Miami’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, rising star Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul — and a subtle dig at former president Joe Biden.
“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, an oblique reference to the fact Messi did not attend the ceremony when Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025. “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 clamour.
“Everything’s great, but they don’t win. This guy won,” he said with a gesture 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.