Major League Soccer champions Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were honored at the White House after their historic 2025 MLS Cup triumph, where they were welcomed by Donald Trump in a ceremony celebrating their remarkable achievement.
The visit continued a long-standing American tradition where championship teams across various sports are invited to the White House to commemorate their success. For Inter Miami, the occasion represented another landmark moment in what has been a transformative era for the club since Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer.
A Historic Season for Inter Miami
Inter Miami earned the prestigious invitation after lifting the 2025 MLS Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 in the championship final. The victory marked the first MLS title in the club’s short history and confirmed their rise as one of the league’s most exciting teams.
Since Messi joined the club in 2023, Inter Miami has experienced a dramatic surge in global attention. Ticket demand skyrocketed, television audiences increased, and the club quickly became one of the most recognizable teams in North American football.
The MLS Cup triumph was the culmination of that growth. Led by Messi’s leadership and brilliance on the pitch, Miami produced a memorable season that ultimately ended with silverware.
Trump Welcomes Messi and the Team
During the ceremony inside the White House, President Trump greeted the Inter Miami delegation and praised their accomplishments.
Standing alongside Messi and club executives, Trump acknowledged the Argentine star’s global impact on the sport.
“Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” the president said during his remarks, drawing applause from those present in the room.
Trump also spoke about the pressure that followed Messi’s arrival in the United States. When the World Cup winner joined Inter Miami, expectations were enormous, and the football world watched closely to see whether he could elevate the club.
According to Trump, Messi not only met those expectations but surpassed them by leading the team to a historic title.
Messi Presents Gifts to the President
As part of the ceremony, Messi presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami football, a symbolic gesture commemorating the club’s championship season. The delegation also gifted the president a personalized Inter Miami jersey and a commemorative watch to mark the occasion.
The exchange highlighted the celebratory nature of the visit and served as a reminder of the club’s achievements.
Messi, known for his reserved personality, remained relatively quiet during the ceremony but appeared relaxed as he stood alongside teammates and club officials.
Familiar Faces in Attendance
Several prominent figures from the football and sports world attended the ceremony alongside Messi.
Among those present were Inter Miami stars Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, both of whom played important roles in the club’s successful campaign.
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber also attended the event, emphasizing the significance of the moment for the league.
Former baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez was another notable guest, highlighting the crossover appeal between sports in the United States.
The gathering reflected the broader cultural influence that football has begun to enjoy in the country, particularly since Messi’s move to MLS.
Trump’s Comments About Messi
During his speech, Trump praised Messi’s achievements and influence on the sport. The president even made a playful comparison between the Argentine icon and Brazilian legend Pele, suggesting Messi could arguably be considered the greatest footballer of all time.
The remark drew laughter and applause from the audience, reinforcing Messi’s reputation as one of the most admired athletes in the world.
Trump also mentioned that his son Barron Trump is a fan of the Argentine star and was excited to learn that Messi would be visiting the White House.
A Symbol of Soccer’s Growing Influence in America
Inter Miami’s visit to the White House highlighted the growing influence of football in the United States.
For decades, sports such as American football, basketball, and baseball dominated the American sports landscape. However, the arrival of global superstars like Messi has helped elevate the profile of Major League Soccer and brought international attention to the league.
Inter Miami’s success has played a central role in that transformation. Since the club was founded in 2018, its ambition has been clear — to establish itself as a major force in North American football.
Winning the MLS Cup and celebrating that victory at the White House represents a significant milestone in that journey.
Another Chapter in Messi’s Legendary Career
For Messi, the ceremony marked another memorable moment in a career filled with historic achievements.
The Argentine forward has already won the FIFA World Cup, multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous individual awards. Yet his impact in Major League Soccer has added a unique chapter to his legacy.
By leading Inter Miami to its first MLS championship, Messi demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport.
The White House visit served not only as a celebration of Inter Miami’s title but also as a tribute to Messi’s continuing influence on the global game.
