Lionel Messi and Inter Miami recognized by Trump at the White House
Inter Miami participated in a White House reception on Thursday to commemorate their inaugural MLS Cup victory, with captain Lionel Messi presenting a gift to President Donald Trump.
Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, later gifting the president a signature Miami pink soccer ball. Trump also received a Miami jersey and a watch from Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano.
This marked Messi’s first visit to the White House, having joined Miami in July 2023, and follows fellow soccer legend and long-time Messi competitor Cristiano Ronaldo’s attendance at a dinner there last November.
“We are honoring truly talented individuals,” Trump stated, flanked by Messi and Mas, with the rest of Miami’s team positioned behind him. “It is my distinct honor to say what no American president has ever had the opportunity to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.”
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who will be here today?’ I replied, ‘No, I have a lot on my plate.’ He said, ‘Messi.’
“He is a huge fan of yours. He believes you are an exceptional person. And I think you met a little while ago. So he is a big soccer enthusiast, but he is an enormous admirer of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You are great.”
After the reception, Trump invited the team to the Oval Office.
This event continues the long-standing tradition in American sports of celebrating a championship with a White House reception.
D.C. United was the first MLS team to visit the White House in 1998 after their Cup victory, while the LA Galaxy made multiple visits after winning in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
This visit signifies Messi’s first experience at the White House, although he was initially invited by the Joe Biden administration to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in early January 2025 but was unable to attend due to prior obligations.
“Messi informed the White House prior to the event that he is deeply honored and considers it a significant privilege to receive this recognition,” stated Inter Miami in a release at that time. “However, due to a scheduling conflict and previous commitments, he was unable to be present. He appreciated the gesture and expressed hope for a future meeting.”
Miami secured the 2025 MLS Cup on Dec. 6, overcoming the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
This victory capped a rapid ascent for Inter Miami, which also includes David Beckham as a co-owner, since its inception in 2020.
“This championship was very, very well deserved, excellently played, and you are looking at one of the best teams on the planet standing behind us,” Mas remarked. “And this all became achievable because we dared to dream.”
