President Donald Trump hosted Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF at the White House on Thursday, March 5, 2026, marking the first time the Argentinian superstar has attended a traditional championship ceremony at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The event honoured the club’s 2025 MLS Cup victory, where Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps to secure their first league title.
Standing in the East Room alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, President Trump emphasised the rarity of the occasion. "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 stated, according to reports from Reuters.
The President praised Messi’s immediate impact on the American league, noting the immense pressure the forward faced upon his arrival in 2023. "I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports... they don’t win. This guy won," Trump said while gesturing toward Messi. He further leaned into soccer history, asking the assembled crowd, "You may be better than Pelé. Who’s better?"
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and Messi presented the President with several commemorative gifts, including a signature pink jersey featuring the number 47, a bejewelled soccer ball, and a custom Tudor watch engraved with "DJT". Mas addressed the room by highlighting the club’s broader mission, stating that the team has "changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever".
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force. The President also shared a light-hearted moment regarding his son, Barron Trump, whom he described as a "tremendous fan" of the Argentine captain.
While the event celebrated athletic achievement, it also carried political weight. Messi had previously declined a 2025 invitation from the Biden administration to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing scheduling conflicts. His presence on Thursday provided a high-profile "winning optic" for the current administration as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.