Lionel Messi and Inter Miami honored at White House after historic MLS Cup win
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were welcomed to the White House on Thursday as the club celebrated its first-ever MLS Cup triumph. The ceremony continued a long-standing tradition in American sport, where championship-winning teams visit the White House to mark their achievement.
Messi, the club’s captain and talisman, played a central role in the event, presenting a signed pink Inter Miami football to Donald Trump during the reception held in the East Room.
Messi’s First White House Visit
For Messi, the occasion marked his first official visit to the White House since arriving in Major League Soccer in 2023. The Argentine icon walked into the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, with the rest of the squad standing behind them.
Trump welcomed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with a light-hearted remark that drew applause from those in attendance. “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,’” Trump said during the ceremony.
He also revealed that his son had been particularly excited about Messi’s presence at the event.
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Messi’s presentation of the signature Inter Miami football was one of several gifts exchanged during the reception. Mas and Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano also presented Trump with a club jersey and a commemorative watch.
Several high-profile figures attended the event, including MLS commissioner Don Garber and former baseball star Alex Rodriguez. Members of the Inter Miami squad present included veteran striker Luis Suárez and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, both of whom played key roles during the club’s championship campaign.
Following the ceremony, Trump invited the team to the Oval Office for a brief visit.
Inter Miami’s Rapid Rise in MLS
The White House celebration came after a landmark season for Inter Miami. The Florida-based club lifted the 2025 MLS Cup on December 6 after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi was once again the standout performer throughout the campaign and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. Since joining the club in July 2023, Messi has helped transform Inter Miami into one of the most recognizable teams in world football.
Related Article: Messi inspires Inter Miami to first MLS Cup title in 3–1 triumph over Vancouver
The club, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, only began competing in MLS in 2020 but has rapidly grown in global prominence.
Trump Praises Messi’s Impact
During his remarks, Trump praised Messi’s achievements and acknowledged the expectations that come with being one of football’s greatest players. “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do,” he said.
“There’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you’re expected to win.” The president also referenced Brazilian legend Pelé, recalling watching him play for the New York Cosmos during the early days of professional soccer in the United States. “You may be better than Pelé,” Trump joked, prompting cheers from the crowd.
A Symbolic Moment for MLS
For Inter Miami’s leadership, the visit represented more than just a championship celebration. Mas used the occasion to highlight the broader growth of Major League Soccer and the increasing global attention the league has attracted.
“We have changed the culture of football in the United States forever,” Mas said during the ceremony. “Our league can play with the heavyweights of world football.”
The White House visit also continues a tradition within MLS. The D.C. United squad became the first MLS champions to receive a White House invitation in 1998, while the LA Galaxy made multiple visits after winning titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
A Historic Chapter for Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s journey from expansion franchise to MLS champions has been remarkably swift. With global stars, international attention and a rapidly growing fan base, the club’s success has helped elevate the profile of soccer in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Thursday’s celebration at the White House offered a symbolic reminder of just how far the club has come, and how central Messi’s influence has been to that rise.
SportsLigue