WASHINGTON – The White House is set to host Inter Miami CF on Thursday, March 5, 2026, honoring the team’s 2025 MLS Cup victory. While the visit of a championship team is a long-standing tradition, all eyes are on whether Lionel Messi will attend, and what his presence – or absence – signifies in a broader political context. The event is scheduled to begin around 4 p.m. ET in the East Room of the White House, according to reports.
The visit comes at a complex moment, both domestically and internationally. President Donald Trump has already welcomed other league champions, including the NHL’s Florida Panthers, during his second term. However, this event carries a unique weight given Messi’s global stature and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The potential for a meeting between Trump and Messi is being viewed as a strategic move by the administration, building on a pattern of leveraging sports figures for diplomatic purposes.
A Pattern of “Sports Diplomacy”
This isn’t the first instance of President Trump utilizing high-profile athletes to advance broader political and economic goals. Earlier, Trump hosted a gala dinner for Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attended by Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr. The event drew industry leaders like Tim Cook of Apple, Elon Musk of Tesla, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Reports indicate that discussions extended beyond pleasantries, encompassing investment opportunities and geopolitical issues, with Ronaldo serving as a key figure in promoting the 2034 World Cup bid in Saudi Arabia.
The strategy, as outlined in reports, appears to be one of “sports diplomacy,” using the immense popularity of global soccer icons to forge connections and project influence. While Ronaldo’s presence was linked to strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, Messi’s potential visit is seen as a way to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and to associate the Trump administration with the success of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi’s Dilemma and the Symbolic Weight of Attendance
For Messi, a player known for maintaining a low profile and avoiding political entanglements, the decision to attend is fraught with symbolic implications. He has not yet visited the White House before. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in January 2025, but was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts related to Inter Miami’s offseason. His presence at the White House now, under a different administration, would be interpreted by many as an endorsement, whether intended or not.
Inter Miami traveled to Washington D.C. On Thursday morning ahead of a Saturday match against D.C. United in Baltimore. Midfielder Telasco Segovia acknowledged the significance of the visit, stating, “We are going because we are champions from last season. I don’t secure involved with politics, but I know it’s an important occasion.” However, the club has not yet confirmed the final list of attendees, leaving Messi’s participation uncertain.
The Transformation of Soccer in the U.S.
The timing of this visit coincides with a significant shift in the American soccer landscape. Messi’s arrival in Miami in 2023 has undeniably elevated the profile of Major League Soccer (MLS) and attracted a fresh wave of fans. The success of Inter Miami, fueled by Messi’s performance – including a goal against Orlando City SC on March 1, 2026, as reported by the Miami Herald – has solidified the league’s position as a growing force in the global soccer community.
For Trump, leveraging this momentum is a strategic opportunity. A photo with Messi would not only validate his administration’s support for sports but also signal a commitment to the success of the 2026 World Cup. It would send a message of stability and institutional prestige, particularly important given the current complex international climate.
How to Watch the Visit
The Inter Miami’s visit to the White House can be live streamed from the White House’s official YouTube channel. Fans can follow the event as it unfolds and assess the significance of Messi’s potential attendance firsthand.
The team will then travel to Baltimore for a match against D.C. United on Saturday, March 7, continuing their MLS campaign. The outcome of the White House visit, and whether Messi chooses to participate, will undoubtedly be a talking point leading up to and during the game.
The situation remains fluid, and the final decision regarding Messi’s attendance rests with the player and the club. However, the potential for this meeting underscores the growing intersection of sports, politics, and global diplomacy, and the power of individual athletes to shape perceptions on the world stage.
Next Up: Inter Miami will face D.C. United at Audi Field in Baltimore on Saturday, March 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
