Trump Welcomes Messi & Inter Miami to White House, Takes Swipe at Biden

WASHINGTON D.C. – Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates received a unique honor Thursday, being welcomed to the White House by President Donald Trump to celebrate their historic 2025 MLS Cup victory. The reception, held in the East Room, marked the first time a sitting president has hosted an MLS champion, and provided a moment of bipartisan appreciation for the sport’s growing prominence in the United States.

The celebration comes after Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 on December 6, 2025, securing the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title. Messi, who also claimed the league’s Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive season, was a central figure during the event. According to reports from the Associated Press and ESPN, Messi presented President Trump with a signature pink Inter Miami soccer ball.

The gesture was reciprocated with gifts from Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano, who presented the President with a Miami jersey and a watch. The event underscored the increasing influence of soccer in the American sports landscape, a point emphasized by both Trump and Mas during their remarks.

“We’re honoring truly talented people,” Trump said, as reported by ESPN. “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 Messi.'” The President also revealed a personal connection to the event, sharing that his son, Barron, is a devoted fan of both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi!’” Trump recounted. “He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re just a great person. And I think you got to meet a little while ago.”

The White House visit also drew comparisons to a similar event from earlier in the administration. In January 2025, President Biden awarded Messi the Presidential Medal of Freedom, though Messi did not attend that ceremony. Trump subtly acknowledged this history, framing the Inter Miami celebration as a first-of-its-kind moment for the White House.

Beyond the MLS Cup triumph, Inter Miami’s success extended to the international stage in 2025. The club achieved a landmark victory over FC Porto in the Club World Cup, winning 2-1. This marked the first time a North American team had defeated a European club in an official competition, further solidifying Inter Miami’s place in soccer history.

Jorge Mas, speaking at the White House, highlighted the transformative impact of Messi’s arrival on the club and the sport in the United States. “Desuccesses were made possible ‘thanks to Lionel Messi, but also thanks to these men standing behind you who have changed the culture of football in the United States forever,’” Mas said, according to reports.

The timing of the event is particularly noteworthy, as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada, and Mexico. The increased visibility and popularity of soccer, fueled in part by Messi’s presence in MLS, are expected to contribute to the tournament’s success. The 2026 World Cup is poised to be the largest in history, with 48 teams competing for the title.

The visit also sparked a brief, lighthearted exchange about the greatest soccer player of all time. President Trump, recalling his memories of Pelé’s time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, playfully suggested that Messi might be even better. “I shouldn’t say this as I’m old, but I watched Pelé,” Trump said. “I don’t know, you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty quality.”

For Messi and Inter Miami, the White House visit represents a culmination of a remarkable season and a testament to their growing influence on the American sporting landscape. The team now turns its attention back to the 2026 MLS season, aiming to defend their title and continue building on their recent success.

Inter Miami will resume play with a road match against D.C. United on Saturday, March 7th, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (11:30 PM UTC). The match will be broadcast nationally on Apple TV.

What are your thoughts on Messi’s impact on MLS and the United States? Share your opinions in the comments below!