Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Visit White House to Celebrate 2025 MLS Cup

President Trump welcomes Messi and Inter Miami to the White House after their MLS championship win.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates visited the White House on Thursday to celebrate the team's 2025 Major League Soccer Cup championship. President Donald Trump welcomed the players, singling out Messi and player Rodrigo De Paul, who scored in the MLS Cup final. Trump also reminisced about watching Brazilian legend Pelé play in the 1970s and asked the audience who was the better player between Pelé and Messi.

Why it matters

Messi's visit to the White House as part of an MLS championship team highlights the growing popularity of soccer in the United States. The Argentine superstar's move to Inter Miami in 2023 was seen as a major boost for the league, and his second straight MLS MVP award cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

The details

Messi entered the East Room of the White House alongside Trump and club co-owner Jorge Mas for the event, but did not speak during the ceremony. Other Inter Miami players in attendance included Luis Suarez, Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul. Trump presented the team with a pink Inter Miami jersey, a pink soccer ball and a limited edition watch with the president's name on it.

  • Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in December 2025 to win the MLS title.
  • Messi was named the MLS MVP for the second consecutive season.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentine soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2023 and led the team to the 2025 MLS Cup championship, winning his second straight MLS MVP award.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who welcomed Messi and the Inter Miami team to the White House to celebrate their MLS championship.

Jorge Mas

Co-owner of Inter Miami who attended the White House ceremony with Messi.

Rodrigo De Paul

Inter Miami player who scored a goal in the 2025 MLS Cup final, and was singled out by President Trump during the ceremony.

Pelé

Brazilian soccer legend who played for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, and whom President Trump compared to Messi.

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What they’re saying

“Today, we're thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, Inter Miami. And 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!”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (CNN)

“Leo, you came in and you won, and that's something very hard to do. Very, very unusual and frankly, there's a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (CNN)

“I don't know, you may be better. Who's better? I think he is.”

— Donald Trump (CNN)

What’s next

Inter Miami is in the Washington, D.C. area in advance of playing D.C. United at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The takeaway

Messi's visit to the White House as part of an MLS championship team underscores the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time.