Messi at the White House: Trump Honors Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Win & Compares Star to Pelé

WASHINGTON D.C. – Lionel Messi and the players of Inter Miami CF received a unique honor on Thursday, as they were welcomed to the White House by President Donald Trump to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup victory. The ceremony, held in the East Room, recognized the team’s achievement in defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in the championship final, and Messi’s individual accolades, including being named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season.

The visit, reported by multiple outlets including Fox Sports and Fox News, was marked by a blend of sporting recognition and political commentary. President Trump opened the event with remarks touching on international affairs before turning his attention to the celebrated soccer star and his team. He lauded Messi’s immediate impact on Major League Soccer, stating, “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very unusual.”

Trump emphasized the pressure Messi faced upon arrival in Miami, noting the expectation of success that often accompanies global superstars. “They come in, they’re great players, they can even play OK, but they don’t win,” Trump said, directly addressing Messi. “Leo, you came in, and you won.” The President also drew a comparison to Brazilian legend Pelé, recalling watching him play in the 1970s and playfully suggesting Messi might be even better. “Pelé was pretty good,” Trump added.

Inter Miami CF, which began play in 2020, has quickly become a global force in soccer, largely due to the arrival of Messi in mid-2023. The team’s success has significantly raised the profile of the sport in the United States. Club co-owner Jorge Mas highlighted the team’s transformative impact on the American soccer landscape during the ceremony, stating, “Inter Miami’s global success is not just Lionel Messi, but these men behind you who have changed the culture of soccer in the United States forever. We can compete with the greats.”

As a gesture of appreciation, the Inter Miami players presented President Trump with a pink Inter Miami jersey bearing the number 47, a nod to his position as the 47th President of the United States. The President also specifically acknowledged other key players on the Inter Miami roster, including Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul.

The event wasn’t solely focused on soccer. President Trump used the occasion to address a range of political issues, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the situation in Venezuela, and potential future policy regarding Cuba. This blending of sports and politics drew some attention, with observers noting the unusual juxtaposition of celebrating an athletic achievement alongside discussions of international affairs.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber was in attendance, seated next to Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup task force. Retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump’s cabinet were also present, underscoring the broad appeal and significance of the event. The visit highlights the growing intersection of sports and politics, and the increasing recognition of soccer’s prominence in the American sporting landscape.

While Messi did not deliver remarks during the ceremony, his presence was the focal point of the event. The celebration at the White House serves as a testament to Inter Miami’s remarkable season and Messi’s continued dominance in the world of soccer. The team’s next challenge will be navigating the upcoming MLS season and defending their championship title.

Inter Miami will return to action on March 21st against Real Salt Lake at home. Fans can follow updates and schedules on the official MLS website: https://www.mlssoccer.com/. The team’s success continues to draw attention to the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, and Messi’s influence is undeniable.