Inter Miami to Visit the White House
Inter Miami CF, fresh off their historic 2025 MLS Cup victory, is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday, March 5th. This announcement, confirmed by a White House official speaking on background to The Athletic, marks a significant moment for the club and potentially for soccer icon Lionel Messi.
Messi’s Potential First White House Visit
While a representative for Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his attendance, the timing of the visit – ahead of Inter Miami’s match against D.C. United on Saturday, March 7th – suggests the possibility. Should Messi attend, this would be his first visit to the White House. He was previously invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden in January 2025, but scheduling conflicts prevented his participation.
A Tradition of Champions
The invitation to the White House is a long-standing tradition for championship-winning teams across various U.S. professional and collegiate sports. The Columbus Crew were the last MLS team to receive this honor in 2024. Inter Miami owner David Beckham also experienced this tradition firsthand, attending the White House with the LA Galaxy in 2012 after their 2011 MLS Cup win.
Political Context and Timing
This visit occurs amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the political implications of sports teams’ engagements with the current administration. Recent scrutiny followed the U.S. hockey team’s visit to Washington, raising questions about the politicization of their Olympic win. Furthermore, the White House visit coincides with a panel discussion on the future of college sports, which President Trump is expected to lead.
Inter Miami’s Historic Win
Inter Miami secured the 2025 MLS Cup with a victory over Vancouver in November, marking their first MLS Cup triumph since joining the league in 2020. The arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023 undeniably played a pivotal role in the team’s success and elevated the profile of Major League Soccer in the United States. The team’s success has been a major talking point, as highlighted by MLS Soccer.
A Meeting of Legends
Should Messi attend, President Trump will have met both soccer superstars considered the greatest of their generation – Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Ronaldo previously attended a dinner at the White House in November.
