Trump Hosts Lionel Messi, Inter Miami at White House
President Donald Trump hosted Inter Miami and Lionel Messi on March 5; Messi presented a bejeweled pink ball and Trump mixed sports praise with political remarks.
FOX NewsTrump tells Lionel Messi, 'You came in and you won,' during Inter Miami White House celebration
The GuardianMessi and Inter Miami were wallpaper for Trump’s whims in their White House visit
USA TODAYTrump asks if Messi is better than Pelé: 5 highlights from Inter Miami White House visit
Associated PressLionel Messi and Inter Miami feted by President Donald Trump at the White House for MLS Cup title
PBS NewsHourWATCH: Trump hosts 2025 MLS champions Inter Miami with Lionel Messi at the White House
Overview
President Donald Trump hosted Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at the White House on March 5, and Messi presented the president with a bejeweled pink soccer ball, according to news accounts.
The visit celebrated Inter Miami's 2025 MLS Cup title after the club beat the Vancouver Whitecaps in December, according to reports.
Trump's remarks at the ceremony turned political as he addressed the war with Iran, the situation in Venezuela, a possible future announcement regarding Cuba and tariffs, according to accounts.
Messi finished last season with 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 matches and won the MLS Golden Boot and back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP Awards, according to one account.
Inter Miami will remain in the area to play D.C. United on Saturday, according to a report.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the event as a sports celebration that is notably politicized, emphasizing President Trump’s remarks and controversial quotes while highlighting Messi’s silence. Editorial choices—calling the ceremony “turned political,” foregrounding Iran/World Cup commentary and a Politico quote, and offering few player perspectives—produce a narrative of politicized spectacle.
FAQ
Lionel Messi was previously invited to the White House in January 2025 to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.[1]
Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in December 2025 to secure their first-ever MLS Cup trophy.[1]
Inter Miami became the first Major League Soccer team to visit the White House during President Trump's administration, with the previous MLS team to visit the capital being the Columbus Crew in 2024.[1]
Messi finished the 2025 season with 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 matches, winning the MLS Golden Boot and back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP Awards.[1]
Inter Miami's owner delivered an emotional speech at the White House sharing his journey from Cuba to owning one of the most successful football clubs in the U.S., describing his vision in 2019 to bring the world's greatest player to Inter Miami.[1]
