Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were welcomed to the White House by United States president Donald Trump as part of celebrations for the club’s MLS Cup victory.
Miami secured the title in Major League Soccer for the first time in the club’s history in December, winning the championship match of the country’s top football division.
The squad accepted an invitation to the presidential residence while in Washington ahead of their league meeting with D.C. United on Saturday.
Players stood beside Trump while he spoke to reporters, praising the team’s achievement shortly after providing remarks about ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Trump praises Messi during ceremony
During the event, Trump mentioned that his son Barron Trump had told him about Messi’s presence at the gathering.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’” Trump explained. “I told him I had a lot going on and didn’t know.”
He continued by saying Barron was excited because Messi would be attending and described the Argentine star as someone his son admires greatly.
Trump added that Messi had already briefly met Barron earlier and that the young fan considered him both a remarkable footballer and a great person.
Argentine star extends Miami stay
Messi, now 38, confirmed in October that he will remain with Inter Miami after agreeing to a new contract that runs until 2028.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has continued to make history in MLS since joining the league.
He became the first player in the competition to win the Most Valuable Player honour in consecutive seasons.
Comparison with Pele and record trophy haul
Speaking directly to the Argentine captain, Trump highlighted his extraordinary career achievements.
He noted that Messi had captured the 47th trophy of his career, describing it as the highest total ever recorded by a player.
Trump also thanked Messi for choosing to play in Miami despite having the option to join clubs anywhere in the world.
Reflecting on football history, Trump said he once watched Pelé play and joked that Messi might even surpass the Brazilian legend, adding that Pelé himself had been “pretty good”.