Messi and Inter Miami Receive White House Honors from President Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) – In a momentous occasion for Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, celebrating their remarkable victory in last year’s MLS Cup. The event marked a significant recognition of the growing popularity and success of soccer in the United States.
Inter Miami clinched the MLS title in December, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in a thrilling final. Messi’s individual brilliance was also recognized, as he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive season, solidifying his status as a global soccer icon.
President Trump’s Remarks
President Trump lauded Messi’s impact on the league, stating, “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very, very unusual and frankly, there’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins.” He emphasized the exceptional pressure and expectations that come with Messi’s star power.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, remained silent during the ceremony, allowing the significance of the moment to speak for itself. Alongside him were fellow Inter Miami stars Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul, representing the team’s collective achievement.
Notable Attendees
The event drew a distinguished crowd, including MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who sat beside Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup task force. Retired baseball legend Alex Rodriguez and members of Trump’s cabinet were also in attendance, highlighting the broad appeal of the occasion.
This marked the first time an MLS team had been invited to the White House during President Trump’s two terms in office, underscoring the growing recognition of soccer’s importance in the American sporting landscape.
Messi’s Legacy and the Future of Soccer
Messi, an unprecedented eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, previously led Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, cementing his place among the greatest soccer players of all time. The 38-year-old is anticipated to continue representing Argentina in the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
However, the upcoming World Cup has faced challenges, including geopolitical tensions and security concerns. The conflict with Iran and recent turmoil in Mexico have cast a shadow over the tournament. Despite these issues, preparations continue, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Southern California and Seattle.
President Trump initially addressed the conflict with Iran but did not directly mention the World Cup. He expressed indifference regarding Iran’s participation, stating, “I really don’t care” and describing Iran as a “very badly defeated country.”
Inter Miami’s Impact and Future Aspirations
During the ceremony, President Trump playfully suggested that Messi might even surpass the legendary Brazilian Pelé, prompting a lively response from the crowd. Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas expressed his belief that the team has “changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever.”
Mas continued, “We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights. Our league can be one of the top leagues in the world.” He expressed hope for continued success and future visits to the White House to celebrate further MLS Cup championships.
This White House visit was a first for Messi, who had previously been invited by the Biden administration to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Inter Miami will continue their season with a match against D.C. United on Saturday.
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