WASHINGTON – Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates received a celebratory reception at the White House on Thursday, March 5, 2026, honoring their victory in the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup. The event, hosted by President Donald Trump, was marked by both the recognition of the team’s achievement and unexpected commentary from the President regarding international affairs.
The visit marked the first White House appearance for Messi since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. He presented President Trump with a signature pink Inter Miami soccer ball, even as team co-owner Jorge Mas gifted the President a jersey and head coach Javier Mascherano presented a watch. The scene, captured by the Associated Press, showed Messi shaking hands with Trump and listening to his address in the East Room of the White House.
Inter Miami secured the 2025 MLS Cup title on December 6, 2025, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Messi was subsequently named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, solidifying his impact on the league since arriving in the United States. The team’s success has undeniably elevated the profile of soccer within the American sporting landscape.
Whereas, the celebratory atmosphere was somewhat overshadowed by President Trump’s remarks during the event. Reports indicate that Trump deviated from solely honoring the team to address the situation in Iran, referencing a potential “vernietiging” (destruction) – a detail reported by Dutch news outlet AD.nl. This shift in focus drew criticism and sparked discussion about the appropriateness of the setting for such a discussion.
The incident has drawn comparisons to other high-profile meetings between athletes and political figures. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo, a longtime rival of Messi, also attended a dinner at the White House last November. Trump, during his remarks, acknowledged both players, stating, “He’s a big fan of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great.”
The juxtaposition of celebrating a sporting achievement with political commentary has prompted varied reactions. Some observers have questioned the appropriateness of using the event to address sensitive geopolitical issues, while others have noted it as characteristic of Trump’s communication style. The event also sparked debate on social media, with some criticizing Messi for participating in an event hosted by the former president, particularly given the current political climate, and U.S. Foreign policy.
Adding to the complexity, reports from Sporza suggest Trump couldn’t resist bringing up Ronaldo during the event, further highlighting the political undertones of the gathering. The Dutch publication De Morgen described the scene as “embarrassing” for Inter Miami, suggesting the President’s digressions detracted from the team’s accomplishment.
Beyond the political context, Messi’s presence at the White House underscores his continued influence on the growth of soccer in the United States. His move to Inter Miami has generated significant interest in the MLS, attracting new fans and sponsors. The league’s viewership and attendance figures have seen a noticeable increase since his arrival, demonstrating the “Messi effect.”
During the event, President Trump reportedly asked, “Who’s better, him or Pelé?” – a question that highlights Messi’s stature in the world of soccer and his ongoing debate with the legendary Pelé for the title of greatest player of all time. NU reported on this exchange, further emphasizing the President’s engagement with the sport.
Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for March 14, 2026, against Charlotte FC at home. The team will be looking to build on their MLS Cup victory and continue their impressive run of form. Fans can follow updates and schedules on the official Inter Miami CF website and through the MLS official channels.
The White House visit, while intended as a celebration of Inter Miami’s success, will likely be remembered as much for the surrounding political context as for the sporting achievement itself. It serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and politics, and the challenges of maintaining a purely celebratory atmosphere in a polarized environment.
