WASHINGTON – Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, March 5, 2026, celebrating their historic 2025 MLS Cup championship. The visit marked a significant moment for the club and for soccer in the United States, coming ahead of the nation co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
The event, held in the East Room of the White House, saw President Trump acknowledge the team’s achievement and the growing popularity of soccer within the country. The Inter Miami squad secured the MLS Cup title with a victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida – a win that captivated fans and signaled a novel era for the league.
President Trump received a soccer ball trophy from Messi during the ceremony, as documented by the Associated Press. He also engaged in conversation with the Argentine superstar, and Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, another prominent figure in the world of soccer. The President reportedly reminisced about watching Pelé play for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, a period that helped to initially raise the profile of the sport in the U.S.
“I don’t know, you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good,” Trump said to Messi, according to reports. The comment sparked a lighthearted moment during the event, acknowledging Messi’s exceptional talent and his impact on the game.
The Inter Miami players presented President Trump with a special pink jersey bearing the number 47, a nod to his position as the 47th President of the United States. Trump seized the opportunity to highlight the event as a first, stating, “I can say what no other president has been able to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel.” This remark was interpreted as a pointed contrast to President Joe Biden, who had previously awarded Messi the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, an event Messi did not attend.
Beyond the MLS Cup triumph, Inter Miami’s success extended to the international stage in 2025. The team achieved a landmark victory over FC Porto in the Club World Cup (2-1), marking the first time a North American team had defeated a European club in an official competition. This win further underscored the rising competitiveness of MLS and the impact of Messi’s arrival in the league.
Jorge Mas, the Inter Miami owner, emphasized the transformative effect Messi has had on soccer in the United States. “Thanks to Lionel Messi, but also thanks to these men behind you who have changed the culture of soccer in the United States forever,” Mas said, addressing President Trump. The team’s success has undoubtedly fueled increased interest and investment in the sport across the country.
The timing of the White House visit is particularly noteworthy as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is expected to generate significant economic benefits and further elevate the profile of soccer in the nation. The success of Inter Miami, spearheaded by Messi, is seen as a positive sign for the growth of the sport leading up to the World Cup.
The visit also comes after Messi received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for 2026, recognizing his achievements both with Inter Miami and the Argentinian national team. His impact extends beyond the field, as he has develop into a global icon and a symbol of sporting excellence.
Inter Miami will return to MLS action on March 14th, 2026, against Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Fans eager to follow the team’s progress can find the latest updates and schedules on the official Inter Miami CF website ([https://www.intermiamicf.com/](https://www.intermiamicf.com/)). The team will be looking to build on their 2025 success and continue to compete for championships in the years to come.
The White House visit served as a celebration of Inter Miami’s achievements and a recognition of the growing influence of soccer in the United States. It was a moment that highlighted the power of sport to bring people together and inspire a new generation of players and fans.
