Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday in recognition of their 2025 Major League Soccer Cup championship. The event marked a rare intersection of American politics and global sport, drawing attention well beyond U.S. soccer circles.
Messi stood at the center of the ceremony as Miami players, coach Javier Mascherano, and team co-owner Jorge Mas joined Trump in the East Room. The president opened with remarks on military developments in the Middle East before shifting to the team’s achievements and the broader impact of soccer in the United States.
Trump recalled the excitement surrounding Brazilian legend Pele’s stint with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, noting how it helped ignite interest in the sport across America. He then turned to Messi’s influence, suggesting the Argentine forward may have surpassed Pele’s legacy. “I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pele play,” Trump said. “I don’t know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good.”
The ceremony highlighted Messi’s transformative role in American soccer since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His presence has boosted attendance, television ratings, and international visibility for MLS, culminating in Miami’s first league title in 2025. Analysts say his impact has been comparable to Pele’s in terms of raising the sport’s profile in the United States.
For Inter Miami, the White House reception capped a season of dominance and underscored the franchise’s rapid rise from expansion team to championship contender. Mascherano praised his players for their resilience and credited Messi’s leadership for inspiring the squad to reach new heights.
The celebration reflected both the growing stature of MLS and the cultural significance of Messi’s career. By honoring the team, Trump placed their victory within a broader narrative of soccer’s evolution in America, linking past icons with present achievements and underscoring the sport’s expanding global reach.
