February 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) plays during the second half against Los Angeles FC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Image Inter Miami will visit the White House on March 5 to celebrate winning the first MLS Cup in club history, The Athletic and Miami Herald reported Friday.
The Herald quoted a source as saying ‘everyone’ at the club would attend to meet President Donald Trump, meaning Lionel Messi is expected to attend.
The visit is scheduled for two days before Inter Miami faces DC United in Washington.
A number of MLS Cup champions were honored at the White House ceremony, including the Columbus Crew in September 2024 after winning the title the previous season.
The 2024 MLS Cup champions Los Angeles Galaxy didn’t go to the White House last year, but the Galaxy have been welcomed there since winning titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Among the players who met with President Barack Obama to celebrate the 2011 championship was then-Galaxy star and current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Messi has never been to the White House, despite receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in January 2025. The Argentine superstar was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to scheduling issues.
President Trump has been working closely with FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of this summer’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Inter Miami began 2020 as an MLS expansion team and endured three rough seasons until Messi’s arrival in 2023. The World Cup-winning forward led the Herons to the 2023 League Cup title and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield before clinching the MLS Cup with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps last December.
–Field level media
