The White House on Thursday hosted a reception in honour of Inter Miami, which won the 2025 MLS Cup for the first time in club history. US President Donald Trump interacted with Argentina football legend Lionel Messi and his teammates.
Messi and his teammates presented Trump with a pink No. 47 jersey, signifying his term as the 47th US president. Coach Javier Mascherano and co-owner Jorge Mas were also present. Mas later handed the President a signature Miami pink soccer ball.
"We're honouring truly talented people," Trump said, while flanked by Messi and Mas with the rest of Miami's squad behind him. "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.'"
Following the reception, Trump invited the team to the Oval Office.
The event is in keeping with the long-standing tradition in American sport of commemorating a championship with a reception at the White House.
Images of the interaction were shared on the official X account of the White House.
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“CHAMPIONS. POTUS x MESSI,” one of the posts read.
On YouTube, the White House shared a 30-minute livestream featuring the entire event. While addressing the gathering and media, Trump also took the opportunity to defend his actions in Iran.
“Yesterday, my administration announced decisive action to help keep down the oil prices, including offering political risk insurance for tankers transiting into the Gulf, as you know, pretty dangerous territory. Further action to reduce pressure on oil is imminent and the oil seems to have pretty much stabilised. We had it very low, but I had to take this little detour if it's okay with everybody,” Trump said, referring to the energy crisis amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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"The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before," Trump said as Messi stood next to him.
Trump commended Mascherano, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele, and then showered high praises on Messi and Inter Miami.
"Leo is the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose to go to Miami. I don't blame you. The weather's extremely good," Trump joked.
Among other things, Trump also joked about the “good-looking” Inter Miami CF players standing behind him and singled out Rodrigo De Paul. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, earlier received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former US President Joe Biden but could not attend the ceremony due to schedule conflicts.
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