Messi Meets Trump at the White House: Photos Go Viral
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates received a unique White House honor on Thursday, celebrated by President Donald Trump for their historic 2025 MLS Cup victory. The reception, held in the East Room, marked Messi’s first visit to the White House and followed a similar event last November for Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the growing recognition of soccer stars on the American political stage.
The visit came as Inter Miami prepares to face DC United on Saturday in Baltimore, Maryland. The team’s championship win, secured on , with a 3-1 defeat of the Vancouver Whitecaps, earned them the invitation to Washington. Messi, alongside co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano, presented President Trump with a signature pink Inter Miami soccer ball, a jersey and a watch as gifts.
President Trump enthusiastically welcomed the team, stating, “We’re honoring truly talented people. 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.'” He also acknowledged his son Barron’s admiration for Messi, sharing that the younger Trump is a “tremendous fan” of the Argentinian superstar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The event wasn’t solely focused on soccer accolades. President Trump used the occasion to address the ongoing conflict in Iran, dedicating a significant portion of his remarks to the U.S. Military’s actions and its relationship with Israel. He stated, “The U.S. Military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule,” and emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to the situation, adding, “We want to fight now more than they do.”
This White House visit for Messi follows a previous invitation from former President Joe Biden in January 2025 to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. However, scheduling conflicts prevented Messi from attending that ceremony. This trip provided a second opportunity for recognition on American soil.
The celebration echoes a similar event last year when Juventus, a Serie A club, visited the White House during the Club World Cup. That visit included U.S. Internationals Tim Weah and Weston McKennie, drawing attention to the increasing presence of soccer within the American sporting landscape.
Messi’s presence is particularly noteworthy given his arrival in Miami in July 2023. His impact was immediately felt, culminating in being named the league’s MVP for the second consecutive season in 2025. The MLS Cup victory solidified Inter Miami’s position as a force in American soccer and underscored Messi’s transformative effect on the league’s profile.
President Trump drew a comparison between Messi and Brazilian legend Pelé, prompting a lighthearted discussion among those present about the greatest soccer players of all time. He reminisced about watching Pelé play for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, adding a personal touch to the event.
The visit represents a confluence of sports and politics, showcasing the growing influence of soccer in the United States and the willingness of political leaders to acknowledge the achievements of international athletes. It also highlights the unique position Messi now occupies as a global icon with a significant presence in American sports culture. The event, while celebratory, was also marked by the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical concerns, as President Trump used the platform to address the situation in Iran.