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Trump Welcomes Messi & Inter Miami to White House, Honors MLS Champs

President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates to the White House to celebrate their 2025 Major League Soccer Cup victory. Trump presented a historic welcome to Messi, praising his choice to play in Miami and highlighting other soccer greats. The event also served to look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Messi had previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden but could not attend that ceremony.

Key Points: Trump Hosts Lionel Messi, Inter Miami at White House

  • Trump honors MLS champs Inter Miami
  • Messi presented with unique welcome
  • Praise for coach Mascherano, icons Ronaldo & Pele
  • 2026 FIFA World Cup previewed
  • US to host World Cup and Olympics in same summer
2 min read

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami welcomed by US President Donald Trump at White House

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, celebrating their MLS Cup win and looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"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. - Donald Trump"

Washington, March 6

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday and celebrated the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup champions in a ceremony, according to a Reuters report.

The Inter Miami team presented Trump with a jersey bearing the number 47, referencing him as the 47th president, along with a football and watch in Inter Miami's signature pink colour.

Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi to the White House, calling it a distinct privilege to honour the football legend.

"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 as quoted by Reuters.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by the US alongside Canada and Mexico, Trump praised Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, as well as other soccer icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian legend Pele, but he reserved his highest praise for Lionel Messi and the Florida-based team, Inter Miami.

"Leo is the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose to go to Miami. I don't blame you. The weather's extremely good," Trump said.

The FIFA World Cup will be held across 16 cities, running from June 11 to July 19, and will be the first to feature 48 teams.

Looking ahead to the summer, Trump highlighted that the US will host both the World Cup and the Olympics.

"This summer, we have the World Cup and the Olympics," he said.

Argentina will enter the tournament as the reigning champions of both the World Cup and the Copa America.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi had earlier been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US President Joe Biden in January 2025. However, Messi was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the political side of sports. Trump welcoming Messi is a big moment for US soccer's profile. Hopefully, the 2026 World Cup boosts interest in football here in India too. Our kids need more heroes in this sport!
R
Rohit P
Messi getting honored by two different US presidents in one year! 😂 That's some next-level GOAT status. But seriously, can we please have a proper football stadium in my city? We're stuck with terrible pitches.
S
Sarah B
While it's great to see Messi celebrated, I wish our media gave even 10% of this coverage to our own athletes. We have so many talented sportspersons in India who achieve incredible things without this fanfare.
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Vikram M
The jersey with number 47 was a clever gift. Shows how sports and politics are intertwined globally. In India, we see this during cricket matches too. Hope Messi's presence inspires more young Indians to take up football professionally.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I find it a bit odd to celebrate a foreign sports team at this level when there are so many pressing issues. But I understand it's about soft power and promoting the World Cup. Just my two paise.

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