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

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday (local time) 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.

.@POTUS: “Today, we’re thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, @InterMiamiCF… and 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!” pic.twitter.com/Mp8VCWrmJy

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2026

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)