Trump Honors Messi and MLS Cup Champion Miami Teammates

Argentina star and his Inter Miami squad celebrated at the White House for their 2025 title victory.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 1:33am

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President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami soccer team to the White House on Thursday, honoring the squad's 2025 MLS Cup championship and Club World Cup triumph. Trump praised Messi's impact on the sport in the U.S. and compared him to Brazilian legend Pele, while also highlighting contributions from other Miami players like Luis Suarez and Tadeo Allende.

Why it matters

Messi's move to Inter Miami in 2023 helped spark a surge in popularity for the MLS, and the team's championship and international success further cement soccer's growing foothold in the United States. Trump's White House ceremony underscores the sport's increasing mainstream appeal and recognition at the highest levels of American politics.

The details

During the event, Trump reminisced about watching Pele play in the 1970s and suggested Messi may be even better. The president also shouted out several other Miami players, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and rising star Tadeo Allende. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, the son of Cuban immigrants, said the team's success was built on a philosophy of hard work and sacrifice.

  • Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup in December 2025.
  • Inter Miami defeated Portuguese club Porto in the Club World Cup in February 2026.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2023.

Javier Mascherano

Head coach of the Inter Miami soccer team.

Jorge Mas

Co-owner of the Inter Miami soccer team and son of Cuban immigrants.

Luis Suarez

Uruguayan striker for the Inter Miami soccer team.

Tadeo Allende

Rising star player for the Inter Miami soccer team.

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What they’re saying

“I shouldn't say this because I'm old, but I watched Pele play. I don't know, you (Messi) may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“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.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“If you work hard and you sacrifice and you dream, it can be possible.”

— Jorge Mas, Co-owner, Inter Miami

What’s next

The Inter Miami team will continue their preparations for the upcoming 2026 MLS season as they look to defend their championship title.

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has helped drive a surge in soccer's popularity in the United States, culminating in the team's historic MLS Cup and Club World Cup victories. Trump's White House ceremony underscores the sport's growing mainstream appeal and recognition at the highest levels of American politics.