March 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a second-half goal against Orlando City at the Inter & Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Image Lionel Messi received high praise from President Donald Trump as the Argentine superstar and his Inter Miami team were honored at the White House on Thursday for winning last year’s MLS Cup.
“It is my special privilege to be able to say what no American president has ever said before: ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,’” Trump said.
President Trump then revealed his son Barron’s (19) affection for Messi.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s coming there today?’ I said, ‘No, a lot is going to happen today.’” Trump said. “He said, ‘Messi!’ He’s a huge fan of yours. He thinks you’re a really great person, and I think we just met. So he’s a huge fan of football, but he’s also a huge fan of yours. And there’s this gentleman called Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s longtime rival in European soccer, attended a White House event with President Trump last year.
On Messi’s impact at Inter Miami, Trump said: “This guy won. There was a lot of fanfare and he won. Leo, you came in and won. It’s hard to do. … You came in with all that pressure and won.”
Trump, who entered football history, told Messi, “You might be better than Pele,” and asked attendees, “Who is better?”
Trump said of the Inter Miami squad: “What a great group of people. We have a lot of fun with these guys. You can imagine how they celebrate.”
The president singled out Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who scored the opening goal in the Herons’ 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final.
“Where the hell is Rodrigo?” Trump asked and De Paul blushed.
The president then added, “There are ugly players. I like ugly players more.”
Messi presented Trump with a pink Inter Miami soccer ball, while club co-owners Jorge Mas and coach Javier Maserano presented the president with a team jersey and watch.
“It is our desire to continue to break down barriers and set no limits to ensure that Major League Soccer and Inter Miami are considered among the elite of global soccer,” Mas said.
–Field level media
