Inter Miami celebrated its first-ever MLS Cup victory with a reception at the White House on Thursday, with captain Lionel Messi presenting a gift to President Donald Trump.
Accompanied by Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, Messi entered the East Room and gifted the president a signature pink soccer ball from Miami, while Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano presented Trump with a Miami jersey and watch.
This marked Messi’s first visit to the White House since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, following a dinner attended by rival Cristiano Ronaldo the previous November.
“We are here to honor truly talented people,” Trump stated, standing with Messi and Mas before the team. “It’s a distinct privilege for me to say what no American president has ever said before: ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.’
He continued, recounting a conversation with his son: “My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who will be here today?’ I replied, ‘No, I have a lot going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’
“He’s a huge fan of yours. He believes you’re a wonderful person. And he mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo too. Both of you are great.”
Inter Miami claimed the 2025 MLS Cup on December 6, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1, with Messi being voted the league’s MVP for the second year in a row.
“Leo, you came in and won, which is a rare achievement. There’s immense pressure on you that few understand because of the expectations to win, yet very few succeed,” Trump remarked.
Other notable Inter Miami players present included Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was also present, along with Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House’s World Cup task force. Retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump’s cabinet attended as well.
After the reception, Trump invited the team to the Oval Office.
This event follows the tradition of American sports honoring championship teams with a visit to the White House.
D.C. United was the first MLS team to visit the White House in 1998 after their Cup win, with the LA Galaxy making multiple visits in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Messi was initially invited by the Biden administration in early January 2025 to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom but was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
During Thursday’s event, Trump reminisced about watching Brazilian icon Pelé play with the New York Cosmos, then turned to Messi: “You might be better than Pelé.” He then asked the audience, “Who’s better?”
Mas expressed pride in how his team has “forever changed the culture of soccer in the United States.”
“We can compete with the best and become one of the leading leagues in the world,” Mas asserted. “It’s a testament to our ability to dream and persevere that we continue to achieve success. And hopefully, Mr. President, this won’t be our last visit here to celebrate an MLS Cup championship.”
The MLS Cup win signifies a remarkable ascent for Inter Miami, which began play in 2020 and counts David Beckham among its co-owners.
“This championship was fully deserved and exceptionally played, and you’re witnessing one of the best teams in the world standing behind us,” Mas stated. “All of this became possible because we dared to dream.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.