Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were honoured at the White House on Thursday following their MLS Cup victory, with U.S. President Donald Trump hosting the Argentine superstar during a ceremonial reception.
Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, presenting the president with a pink club-branded soccer ball, while Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gifted Trump an Inter Miami jersey and watch.
Trump praised Messi during the event, describing the visit as historic and welcoming him to the White House for the first time since the forward joined Inter Miami CF in 2023; several players, including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, attended alongside MLS officials.
The visit followed Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup triumph after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1, with Messi earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award for a second consecutive season.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas highlighted the franchise’s rapid growth since its founding in 2020, as the White House reception continued the tradition of honouring championship-winning sports teams in the United States.
