Last Updated:March 06, 2026, 07:37 IST
The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his teammates were honoured at the White House for their victory in the MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi, Donald Trump. (X)
The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, received the Argentine World Cup-winner Lionel Messi at the White House on Friday.
The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his teammates were honoured at the White House for their victory in the MLS Cup as Messi led the Herons to a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps to lift the title.
“Today, we’re thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, InterMiamiCF and 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!”
“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports. They come to the Yankees or they come to the Dodgers… and there’s such a clamor,” he said.
“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports,” Trump said. “They come to the Yankees or they come to the Dodgers… and there’s such a clamor,” he said.
“Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know because you’re sort of expected to win,” he added.
“You may be better than Pele,” Trump said before concurring with the Inter Miami squad, who all agreed in unison.
The Herons, who were accompanied by owner Jorge Mas, presented Trump with a trademark pink jersey bearing the number 47, representing the 47th President of the USA.
“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,” Mas said.
“And it is this ability to dream, to persevere, to have no obstacles ahead of us, that we will continue to be successful,” he continued.
“And hopefully, Mr. President, this is not our only visit here celebrating an MLS Cup championship,” Mas added.
United States of America (USA)
March 06, 2026, 07:27 IST
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