Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visit White House to mark MLS Cup win
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team-mates have visited the White House to meet President Donald Trump following their maiden MLS Cup triumph.
The reigning champions were invited to the executive mansion in Washington DC to commemorate winning the nation’s top-flight division title in December.
Co-owner and former England captain David Beckham accompanied the squad for the ceremony ahead of their league fixture against DC United on Saturday.
The players stood on stage as President Trump addressed the media, highlighting the impact the Argentine forward has made since arriving in the United States.
Trump praises ‘incredible’ Messi
During the address, the president revealed a conversation with his son regarding the visit of the football icon.
“My son [Barron] said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘no, I’ve got a lot of things going on’,” Trump said.
“He said, ‘Messi!’ He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re a great person and I think you got to meet a little while ago.”
The 38-year-old forward was personally thanked by the president for choosing to continue his career in Florida rather than elsewhere.
“Leo claimed the 47th trophy of his incredible career – the most of all time,” Trump added.
“You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami. I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride.”
Historic era for the Herons
The White House visit caps a period of sustained success for the franchise, who secured the MLS Cup for the first time in their history last winter.
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain attacker has been central to that rise, recently committing his future to the club with a new contract running until 2028.
His influence on the pitch remains undiminished, having become the first player in the league’s history to win the Most Valuable Player award in back-to-back seasons.
