Messi & Inter Miami Visit White House, Present Trump with Gift After MLS Cup Win
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a ceremony steeped in tradition and punctuated by a personal anecdote, Inter Miami CF and captain Lionel Messi were honored at the White House on , celebrating their historic 2025 MLS Cup victory. The reception, hosted by President Donald Trump, marked the first White House visit for Messi and followed a similar honor bestowed upon Cristiano Ronaldo last November.
The celebration recognized Inter Miami’s 3-1 triumph over the Vancouver Whitecaps on , a win that secured the club’s first MLS Cup title. Messi, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, presented President Trump with a signature Miami pink soccer ball. Co-owner Jorge Mas gifted the President a Miami jersey and a watch, while head coach Javier Mascherano similarly contributed to the presentation.
The atmosphere in the East Room was notably personal, as President Trump shared a story about his son, Barron, anticipating the visit. “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!’ He’s a considerable fan of yours. He thinks you’re just a great person,” Trump recounted, adding a nod to Ronaldo as well. “And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great.”
The event underscored the growing prominence of soccer in the United States, a point emphasized by Mas, who stated that Inter Miami has “changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever.” He continued, “We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights. Our league can be one of the top leagues in the world.” Mas expressed hope for future visits to the White House, signaling the club’s ambition to build a dynasty.
Inter Miami’s rapid ascent since entering MLS in 2020 has been remarkable, fueled by the arrival of Messi in . The club’s success has drawn significant attention to the league and attracted a modern wave of fans. The team’s roster boasts a constellation of talent, including Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul, all of whom were in attendance at the White House.
The White House reception continues a long-standing tradition in American sports, with D.C. United being the first MLS team to receive the honor in 1998 following their own championship victory. The LA Galaxy also visited the White House on multiple occasions after winning titles in 2011, 2012, and 2014. This tradition highlights the recognition given to athletic achievement at the highest levels of government.
Interestingly, Messi had previously been invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the Biden administration in early , but was unable to attend due to prior commitments. This White House visit, represents a separate and distinct acknowledgment of his and Inter Miami’s accomplishments.
President Trump also took the opportunity to reflect on the history of the sport, recalling his experience watching Brazilian legend Pelé play with the New York Cosmos. He playfully posed the question to the crowd, “You may be better than Pele. Who’s better?” – a testament to Messi’s extraordinary talent and impact on the game.
The event was attended by a diverse group, including MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who sat alongside Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup task force, as well as retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of President Trump’s cabinet. This broad representation underscored the significance of the occasion and the widespread interest in Inter Miami’s success.
Messi’s commitment to Inter Miami extends through 2028, solidifying his role as a central figure in the club’s ambitions. His back-to-back MVP awards are a testament to his consistent excellence and his ability to elevate the performance of those around him. The MLS Cup win not only marked a milestone for Inter Miami but also signaled a new era for soccer in the United States, one where the league is increasingly recognized on the global stage.
As Inter Miami prepares for their upcoming match against D.C. United on in Washington, D.C., the team carries with it the momentum of a championship season and the prestige of a White House celebration. The visit serves as a powerful symbol of their achievements and a source of inspiration as they continue to pursue further success.