WASHINGTON: Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF team were honoured at the White House on Thursday by US President Donald Trump for winning the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup.
Trump praised Messi’s impact on the team, noting the superstar’s ability to succeed under pressure. “This guy won. There was tremendous fanfare, and he won. Leo, you came in and won,” Trump said during the ceremony in the East Room. He added that it was “hard to do” but Messi delivered a remarkable performance, helping Inter Miami claim the MLS Cup.
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In a lighthearted moment, Trump shared that his 19-year-old son Barron is a fan of Messi. “My son said, ‘Dad, you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on today.’ He said, ‘Messi!’” Trump said. He also acknowledged Messi’s longtime European rival Cristiano Ronaldo, calling both players “great.”
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The president praised Inter Miami’s squad as a whole, highlighting Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who scored the go-ahead goal in the 3-1 MLS Cup final win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. “Where the hell is Rodrigo?” Trump asked the midfielder, causing him to blush.
During the ceremony, Messi presented Trump with a pink signed Inter Miami soccer ball, while club co-owner Jorge Mas and coach Javier Mascherano gifted the president a team jersey and a watch. Mas emphasised the team’s ambition, stating, “Our aspiration is to continue breaking barriers… to make sure Major League Soccer and Inter Miami are considered among the elite in global football.”
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Trump also playfully compared Messi to soccer legend Pele, asking attendees, “Who’s better?” and commenting on the team’s camaraderie and celebrations.
The event marked a celebration of Inter Miami’s historic MLS Cup victory and Messi’s significant contribution to the growth of soccer in the United States.