U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Argentine football icon Lionel Messi and his teammates from Inter Miami CF at the White House on Thursday, celebrating their triumph in the MLS Cup.
Messi led the delegation of players, accompanied by head coach Javier Mascherano and club co-owner Jorge Mas.
Trump opened the ceremony with remarks referencing international affairs before shifting focus to Inter Miami’s historic season.
Reflecting on Messi’s impact, Trump compared the Argentine superstar to Brazilian legend Pelé, recalling the excitement generated when Pelé played for the New York Cosmos in the 1970s.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play,” Trump joked. “I don’t know you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good.”
Inter Miami players presented Trump with a pink No. 47 jersey, referencing his position as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump also praised several members of the squad, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez and rising talents such as Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul.
During his remarks, Trump highlighted Messi’s winning mentality.
“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into sports they go to the Yankees or the Dodgers and there’s such excitement, but they don’t win,” he said. “This guy won.”
Inter Miami secured the 2025 MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The club also made history earlier in the year by defeating Portuguese giants FC Porto 2–1 in the Club World Cup, marking the first time a North American club beat a European side in official competition.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mas credited the team’s rapid rise since its 2020 inaugural season to determination and ambition.
“Our success is not only because of Lionel Messi,” Mas said. “These men standing behind you have changed the culture of football in the United States forever. We can play with the big boys.”
