US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami to the White House on Thursday during a ceremony honouring the club’s 2025 MLS Cup victory.
During the event, the Inter Miami team presented Trump with a jersey bearing the number 47, referencing him as the 47th President of the United States. The team also gifted him a football and a watch in Inter Miami’s signature pink colour.
Trump described it as a privilege to host the Argentine football star at the White House.
“It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before — welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” Trump said.
The US President praised Messi’s achievements in international football and his decision to join Inter Miami. He also acknowledged the team’s coaching staff, including head coach Javier Mascherano.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP and an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Trump also referred to other global football icons, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian legend Pelé, but reserved special praise for Messi and the Florida-based club.
Looking ahead to global sporting events, Trump noted that the United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament will be held across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19 and will be the first edition to feature 48 teams.
He added that the country will also host the Olympic Games in the coming years.
Argentina will enter the World Cup as the reigning champions of both the FIFA World Cup and Copa America.
Earlier in January 2025, Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US President Joe Biden, though the footballer was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling commitments.
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