Players and officials of Inter Miami attended a reception at the White House on Thursday to celebrate the club’s first victory in the MLS Cup. Team captain Lionel Messi presented a gift to US President Donald Trump during the ceremony held in the East Room.
Messi walked into the event with Trump and club co-owner Jorge Mas while the rest of the team stood behind them. The Argentine star later handed the president a signature pink Miami soccer ball. Trump also received an Inter Miami jersey and a watch from Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano.
The gathering followed a long tradition in American sports where championship teams visit the White House after winning major titles, according to ESPN Sports report.
The visit took place to honor Inter Miami’s victory in the 2025 MLS Cup. The club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final on December 6 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The win marked the first league title for the club since it began playing in Major League Soccer in 2020. The franchise, which counts former England star David Beckham among its co-owners, completed a rapid rise in the league.
Trump addressed the team during the ceremony and welcomed Messi to the White House.
“We’re honoring truly talented people,” Trump said. “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,” he added.
Trump spoke about his son’s admiration for the Argentine star.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’ He’s a big fan of yours,” Trump said.
The president also referred to Messi’s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo while speaking to the crowd. “Cristiano is great. You’re great,” Trump said.
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