Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were honored at the White House on Thursday by former U.S. President Donald Trump in recognition of their 2025 Major League Soccer Cup championship.
Messi, joined by players, coach Javier Mascherano, and team co-owner Jorge Mas, received accolades during the ceremony, which included remarks by Trump reflecting on the team’s achievements and the historical impact of soccer in the United States.
Trump referenced Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, noting his admiration and comparing Messi’s impact to that of Pelé in the 1970s.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play. I don’t know, you (Messi) may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good,” Trump said.
The Inter Miami squad presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey from the team’s signature pink kit, in recognition of his status as the nation’s 47th president.
Trump highlighted key players, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, rising star Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul.
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Trump praised Messi’s accomplishments, saying, “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 also recounted Inter Miami’s notable victories, including their 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final and a 2-1 victory against Portuguese side Porto in the Club World Cup—the first time a North American team defeated a European side in official competition.
In his remarks, Mas credited the team’s rapid rise since its 2020 inaugural season to a culture of hard work and dedication.
“Inter Miami’s global success is not only because of Lionel Messi, but these men standing behind you have changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever,” he said. “We can play with the big boys.”