Inter Miami to Visit White House, Messi's Attendance Uncertain

MLS Cup champions Inter Miami will be congratulated by President Trump, but Lionel Messi's participation remains unconfirmed.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Inter Miami, the 2025 MLS Cup champions, are set to visit the White House on Thursday, March 5 to be congratulated by President Donald Trump. While it has not been officially confirmed, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, could potentially attend the ceremony along with co-owner David Beckham. The visit comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration's policies.

Why it matters

Messi's potential attendance at the White House visit would be significant, as the Argentine forward has yet to declare whether he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Trump has also met with other soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, raising questions about the political implications of these interactions ahead of the major tournament.

The details

Inter Miami traveled to Washington D.C. on Thursday morning, two days before their match against D.C. United. While Messi's participation has not been confirmed, the team's midfielder Telasco Segovia stated that they are visiting the White House because they are the reigning MLS Cup champions. The ceremony is expected to take place around 4 p.m. ET in the East Room of the White House and can be live-streamed on the White House's YouTube channel.

  • Inter Miami departed from South Florida early Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The White House visit is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026 around 4 p.m. ET.
  • Inter Miami will face D.C. United on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Lionel Messi

A two-time MLS MVP, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Argentine World Cup champion who plays for Inter Miami.

David Beckham

A former soccer star and the co-owner of Inter Miami.

Telasco Segovia

A midfielder for Inter Miami.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who will host the Inter Miami team at the White House.

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA who has become friends with President Trump in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“We are going because we are champions from last season. I don't get involved with politics, but I know it's an important occasion.”

— Telasco Segovia, Inter Miami Midfielder

What’s next

If Messi attends the White House visit, it will be his first time meeting with President Trump, who has developed a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in recent years. Messi's participation, or lack thereof, could have implications for his potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The Inter Miami White House visit highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Trump administration's policies, particularly related to immigration, and the potential for sports to become entangled in these controversies. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Messi's attendance, or lack thereof, could send a significant political message.