Lionel Messi and his teammates from Inter Miami CF were honoured at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, where Donald Trump hosted the Major League Soccer champions following their 2025 title victory.
The Argentine football star led the team as players, coach Javier Mascherano and club co owner Jorge Mas joined the US president during a ceremony recognising the club’s historic season.
During the event, Trump reflected on football’s history in the United States and referenced the impact of Brazilian legend Pelé during his time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
He praised Messi’s influence on the game and even compared the Argentine star to the Brazilian icon, noting that Messi’s achievements had elevated the sport’s profile in the country.
Inter Miami players also presented Trump with gifts, including a pink team jersey bearing the number 47, symbolising his position as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump acknowledged several members of the squad during the ceremony, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and rising talent Tadeo Allende.
The president also highlighted Messi’s winning mentality, noting that while many star athletes arrive in major leagues with huge expectations, few deliver success as consistently as the Argentine forward.
Inter Miami’s remarkable 2025 campaign included a 3 to 1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. The team also recorded a historic 2 to 1 win against Portuguese side FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking the first time a North American club defeated a European team in an official competition.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Mas said Inter Miami’s rise since its debut season in 2020 reflects the belief that dedication, sacrifice and ambition can transform dreams into reality.
He added that the club’s international success goes beyond Messi’s presence, noting that the collective efforts of the players have helped reshape the culture of football in the United States and strengthened the league’s global reputation.
