Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Honored at White House by Donald Trump After MLS Cup Victory

Inter Miami Honored at the White House After MLS Cup Victory

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lionel Messi presented President Donald Trump with a bejeweled pink soccer ball during a White House ceremony honoring Inter Miami for winning the MLS Cup last year. Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in December to win Major League Soccer, and the Argentinian sensation was voted league MVP for the second year in a row.

"Leo, you came in and you won, and that's something very hard to do, very, very unusual and frankly, there's a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins," Trump told the crowd.

Messi, who attended the event alongside Trump, joined Inter Miami in mid-2023 to much excitement. He did not speak at the event, which became political at points, with Trump discussing the conflict with Iran, the situation in Venezuela, a potential future announcement about Cuba, and even tariffs.

The president focused largely on athletics when addressing Messi, who is well-known for avoiding political commentary. "You could have traveled anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, but you chose Miami. I do not blame you. The weather is excellent. Do you travel to Doral? You go to Doral and play golf?" Trump asked, referring to the golf property he owns. "I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride, because you are hot and talented and a great person."

Inter Miami Stars and Sports Figures Attend Ceremony

Other Inter Miami stars in attendance included Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul. MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat next to Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House's World Cup task committee. Retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump's administration were also in attendance.

Inter Miami became the first MLS team to be invited to the White House during Trump's two terms in office. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Argentina to the World Cup championship in 2022. The 38-year-old is likely to play for Argentina again this summer in a tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Recent events, such as the conflict with Iran and the killing of cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera in a military operation, have cast a pall over soccer's world stage. Iran is one of 48 countries competing in the World Cup, with two games scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Southern California and another in Seattle during the group stage.

Political Context Surrounds Ceremony and World Cup Discussion

Trump launched the ceremony with remarks about the conflict with Iran but made no mention of the World Cup. Following military action by the US and Israel last week, Iran's top soccer official, Mehdi Taj, stated that the country could not look forward to competing in the World Cup with "hope."

"I really don't care" whether Iran participates, Trump told Politico this week. "I believe Iran is a terribly defeated country. They are running on fumes." It is unclear what would happen if Iran pulled out of the World Cup. No team that qualified for the tournament has withdrew in the previous 75 years.

The World Cup begins on June 11 in Mexico City with a match between Mexico and South Africa. During the ceremony, Trump talked about seeing Brazilian legend Pele play for the New York Cosmos. He looked at Messi and said, "You may be better than Pele," before asking the crowd, "Who's better?"

Inter Miami’s Growing Influence in U.S. Soccer

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas stated that his team "changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever." "We can play with the big boys and heavyweights. Our league can be one of the best in the world," Mas stated.

"And it is through our ability to dream, persevere, and face no hurdles that we will continue to succeed. And hopefully, Mr. President, this is not our only coming here to celebrate an MLS Cup victory."

It was Messi's first visit to the White House. He was invited by the Biden administration to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, but was unable to attend due to a schedule issue. Inter Miami will remain in the area to face D.C. United on Saturday.