President Donald Trump honored Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates at the White House after the club won last season's Major League Soccer championship. Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in December, and Messi was named the league's most valuable player for the second straight year. Trump praised Messi's impact and success, noting the pressure that came with joining the team and immediately delivering a title.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, attended the ceremony but did not speak. Teammates including Luis Suarez, Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul were also present, along with league officials, team owner Jorge Mas and members of the administration. It marked the first time during Trump's presidency that a Major League Soccer team visited the White House.

The event came months before the World Cup is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Tensions surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament have grown following recent military conflict, though Trump did not address the competition directly during the ceremony. Messi is expected to represent Argentina in the upcoming tournament.

During the celebration, Trump compared Messi to Brazilian legend Pele, drawing cheers from the audience. Mas said Inter Miami has transformed the culture of soccer in the United States and expressed hope that the team would return to the White House with future championships.