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.
Why Did Inter Miami Visit White House?
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.
After the ceremony, Trump invited the players and staff to visit the Oval Office.
The event marked Messi’s first visit to the White House since moving to the United States to play for Inter Miami in July 2023. Messi previously received an invitation from the administration of former President Joe Biden to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom in early 2025. However, he could not attend the ceremony due to scheduling commitments.
In a statement released at that time, Inter Miami said the player felt honored by the recognition but had prior commitments that prevented him from traveling to Washington.
White House visits for MLS champions date back decades. DC United became the first Major League Soccer club to attend such an event after winning the championship in 1998. LA Galaxy later visited the White House several times after winning MLS Cups in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Inter Miami officials said the club’s success reflects the ambition of the organization and its players.
“This championship was very, very well deserved, greatly played,” Jorge Mas said during the ceremony. “And you’re looking at one of the best teams on the face of the earth standing behind us,” Mas added.
Mas added that the club’s rise came from belief and determination. “This all became possible because we dared to dream,” he said.
