Messi Celebrated by Trump at White House for MLS Cup Victory

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, was honored by U.S. President Donald Trump at a ceremony in the White House, celebrating Inter Miami’s victory in the 2023 MLS Cup. Inter Miami clinched the title in December, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Messi was recognized as the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive year.

During the ceremony, Trump presented Messi with a bejeweled pink soccer ball as a token of appreciation. The president remarked on Messi’s remarkable achievement, stating, “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very, very unusual.” He emphasized the pressure that comes with Messi’s status, acknowledging that while expectations are high, few manage to succeed at such a level.

Messi joined Inter Miami in mid-2023, generating significant excitement. Though he did not speak during the event, the atmosphere was lively as Trump occasionally shifted the conversation to political topics, addressing issues such as the conflict with Iran and the situation in Venezuela. He notably said to Messi, “You could have gone anywhere in the world. You chose to go to Miami. I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good.”

The event included several other notable figures from Inter Miami, such as Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was present alongside Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House’s World Cup task force. Additionally, retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump’s cabinet attended the ceremony.

Inter Miami made history as the first Major League Soccer team to visit the White House during Trump’s presidency. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022. He is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup scheduled for June 11, 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The World Cup event has garnered attention due to recent geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran. The nation is set to compete in the tournament, with matches scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Southern California and in Seattle. Following military actions involving the United States and Israel, Iran’s top soccer official, Mehdi Taj, expressed concerns about the country’s prospects, suggesting that the hope for participation is dwindling.

Trump, addressing the situation, remarked, “I really don’t care if Iran participates. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country.” Historically, no team has withdrawn from the World Cup after qualifying in the past 75 years, leaving open questions about the ramifications should such an event occur.

The ceremony also featured a nostalgic moment as Trump recalled watching Brazilian legend Pelé play for the New York Cosmos, hinting at Messi’s exceptional talent. “You may be better than Pelé,” he said, inviting the crowd to ponder the comparison.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas expressed his vision for the team’s impact on American soccer, stating, “We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights.” He emphasized that the team’s success reflects a broader ambition for the league to establish itself among the top in the world. Mas concluded with a hopeful note, suggesting that this visit would not be the last celebration of an MLS Cup championship.

This visit marked Messi’s first official appearance at the White House. Although he had received an invitation from the Biden administration for the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in January 2025, he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Following the White House event, Inter Miami is set to compete against D.C. United, continuing their season in the MLS.