President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and the Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami to the White House in a ceremony celebrating the club’s historic 2025 MLS Cup victory.

The event, held in the East Room of the White House, honored the Florida-based club after its 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in December, which secured the first league championship in Inter Miami’s history.

The celebration continued the long-standing American tradition of presidents recognizing championship teams for their achievements in sport.

Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, arrived alongside Trump and club leadership before joining his teammates during the ceremony.

During the event, the Argentine star presented the president with commemorative gifts, including a decorative pink soccer ball and a personalized Inter Miami jersey.

Trump praised Messi’s extraordinary impact since joining Inter Miami in 2023, highlighting the pressure and expectations that accompanied the move and applauding the forward’s ability to deliver immediate success.

The president also pointed to Messi’s influence in expanding the popularity of soccer across the United States at a time when the country is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Inter Miami’s squad, including prominent players such as Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul and coach Javier Mascherano, attended the ceremony along with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber and several prominent figures from the sports world.

Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez was also among the guests present during the celebration.

The championship season marked another milestone in Messi’s remarkable career.

The Argentine captain, already a World Cup winner and record-setting Ballon d’Or recipient, was named the league’s most valuable player for the second consecutive season after leading Inter Miami through a dominant campaign and a successful playoff run.

Club leadership described the victory as a transformative moment for the growth of soccer in the United States.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said the club’s rise had helped elevate Major League Soccer’s international profile while inspiring a new generation of American fans.

For Messi, the ceremony marked his first visit to the White House, adding another symbolic moment to a career defined by global recognition.

The visit came shortly before Inter Miami returned to league action in Washington, where the team was scheduled to face D.C. United.

The White House event highlighted the growing prominence of soccer in American sports culture, as well as the expanding influence of Major League Soccer on the global stage.