U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his club Inter Miami CF to the White House this week, celebrating the club’s historic 2025 Major League Soccer Cup victory with a ceremony that blended sports admiration, humor, and political commentary.
During the event in Washington, Trump praised Messi’s influence on soccer and joked about the appearance of the Inter Miami squad, remarking on the team’s “good looks” while congratulating them on their championship success.
The visit marked the first time the club had been honored at the White House after winning the MLS title, a triumph that capped a remarkable rise for the Florida-based franchise since Messi joined the team in 2023.
A Celebration of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Triumph
The White House ceremony was organized to recognize Inter Miami’s first-ever MLS Cup championship, which they secured with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in December 2025.
Messi, who played a crucial role in the team’s success, was named the MLS Cup’s most valuable player after delivering key assists in the final.
Standing alongside Messi and the squad, Trump congratulated the players and emphasized how the Argentine superstar had boosted the popularity of soccer in the United States.
According to reports, the president told the assembled guests it was a privilege to welcome Messi to the White House and highlighted the global icon’s impact on American sports since joining Inter Miami.
The ceremony included players such as Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, along with club officials and Major League Soccer executives.
Trump’s Light-Hearted Remarks About the Team
During his speech, Trump injected humor into the celebration by commenting on the team’s appearance, joking that the Inter Miami squad was “a very good-looking group of people.”
The remark drew laughter from the audience and reflected the informal tone that often characterizes the president’s public events with sports figures.
Trump also spoke about his son Barron’s admiration for Messi, revealing that he initially didn’t realize the Argentine legend would be attending until Barron told him earlier that day.
The comment added a personal touch to the ceremony and highlighted Messi’s broad appeal among young soccer fans in the United States.
Gifts Exchanged During the Ceremony
As part of the celebration, Messi and the Inter Miami delegation presented Trump with several gifts.
Among them were:
- A custom Inter Miami jersey with the number 47, referencing Trump’s presidential term
- A pink-themed soccer ball, reflecting the club’s signature colors
- A commemorative watch from the team
The exchange symbolized the traditional sports custom of teams presenting memorabilia during White House visits.
Photos from the event showed Messi standing beside Trump in the East Room as the team celebrated its championship.
Sports, Celebrity and Politics Intertwine
Although the ceremony was primarily meant to honor the team’s achievements, Trump briefly shifted the conversation toward broader issues, including international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.
Observers noted that the event reflected how sports gatherings at the White House often become platforms for political messaging as well as celebration.
Despite those moments, the focus largely returned to Messi’s achievements and Inter Miami’s rise to the top of American soccer.
Messi’s Impact on Soccer in the United States
Since arriving in Major League Soccer in 2023, Messi has transformed the league’s global profile.
His presence dramatically increased attendance, television ratings, and international attention for MLS.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, became one of the most recognizable soccer brands in the world after signing the Argentine superstar.
The 2025 championship validated the club’s ambitious project and established Messi as one of the most influential players in MLS history.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
Trump also referenced the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The president noted that the tournament would be one of the biggest sporting events ever held in North America and predicted that soccer’s popularity in the U.S. would continue to grow in the years ahead.
With Messi still playing in MLS and the World Cup approaching, many believe the sport could experience an unprecedented surge in American interest.
A Historic Moment for MLS
For Inter Miami, the White House visit represented a milestone moment.
Not only did the team capture its first MLS Cup, but it also became one of the few soccer clubs in league history to receive a presidential honor following a championship season.
The ceremony highlighted how far American soccer has come from a niche sport to one capable of bringing global icons like Messi into the center of the national spotlight.
And as Trump joked about the squad’s “good looks,” the players stood smiling champions not just on the field, but now guests of honor at one of the most symbolic locations in American public life.
