Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and members of Inter Miami CF to the White House on Thursday, celebrating the club’s victory in the 2025 MLS Cup.
Messi led the delegation of players alongside head coach Javier Mascherano and team co-owner Jorge Mas during the ceremony in Washington, D.C. The event was held to honour the club’s achievements during the 2025 season, which saw Inter Miami emerge as champions of Major League Soccer.
Trump began the ceremony with remarks on ongoing military developments in the Middle East before turning his attention to the team’s success. Reflecting on the growth of football in the United States, the president recalled watching Brazilian legend Pelé during his time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, an era he said helped spark greater interest in the sport across the country.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play,” Trump said, jokingly comparing the Brazilian icon to Messi. “I don’t know — you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good.”
As part of the visit, the Inter Miami players presented Trump with a customised No. 47 jersey from the club’s distinctive pink kit, referencing his position as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump also praised several members of the squad, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and emerging talent Tadeo Allende. During his remarks, he made a brief reference to former president Joe Biden, noting that Messi had not attended the ceremony in January 2025 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“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,” Trump said.
Praising Messi’s impact on the team, Trump highlighted the pressure that often accompanies global superstars joining new leagues. According to him, many renowned athletes move to major clubs amid great fanfare but fail to deliver trophies.
“They come to the Yankees or they come to the Dodgers, and there’s such a clamour,” he said. “Everything’s great, but they don’t win. This guy won.”
The president also highlighted Inter Miami’s accomplishments during the 2025 campaign, including their 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. He further referenced the club’s 2–1 win against FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, describing it as a landmark moment because it marked the first time a North American club defeated a European side in official competition.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Jorge Mas credited the team’s rapid rise since its launch in 2020 to dedication and belief. The businessman, whose family immigrated from Cuba, said the club’s achievements reflect the power of hard work and ambition.
“Our success is not only because of Lionel Messi,” Mas said, referring to the players standing behind him. “These men have changed the culture of football in the United States forever. We can compete with the best teams in the world.”
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