Washington, D.C. — Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates visited the White House this week following their historic championship victory in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The team was invited ahead of their weekend league match against D.C. United in Washington, where they were welcomed by Donald Trump during a ceremony recognizing their title-winning season.
Inter Miami secured their first MLS Cup title in December, marking a milestone for the club, which is co-owned by former England captain David Beckham. The victory represents the club’s first championship in the league since its founding.
During the event, players stood alongside the president as he addressed reporters and congratulated the team on their success. Trump noted that his son, Barron, had been excited to learn that Messi would be attending the ceremony.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve got a lot going on,’” Trump said. “He said, ‘Messi!’ He’s a big fan of yours.”
Messi, 38, remains a central figure in the club’s rise. The Argentine forward extended his stay with Inter Miami in October, signing a contract that keeps him with the team until 2028. Since arriving in the United States, he has helped elevate the club’s profile and performances.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also made MLS history by becoming the first player to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award in consecutive seasons.
Praising the football star during the ceremony, Trump highlighted Messi’s remarkable career achievements. “Leo claimed the 47th trophy of his incredible career — the most of all time,” he said. “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami.”
Trump also reflected on football history, referencing legendary Brazilian player Pelé while complimenting Messi’s achievements.
“I watched Pelé play,” he said. “You may be better than Pelé — and Pelé was pretty good.”
The visit marked a celebratory moment for Inter Miami as they continue their MLS campaign, with the championship win and the presence of Messi helping draw global attention to soccer’s growing popularity in the United States.