In honor of Inter Miami CF’s December Major League Soccer Cup victory, US President Donald Trump invited Inter Miami CF players to the White House on Thursday.
For the American team and its star player, Lionel Messi, whose illustrious career has continued to garner international notice since his relocation to the United States, the visit was a momentous occasion.
According to Naija News, Messi was crucial to Inter Miami’s success, and the MLS Cup victory marked yet another achievement in his illustrious football career.
Messi’s image as one of football’s most decorated players was further cemented by the MLS Cup victory, which was his 48th team trophy across his career with club teams and the Argentine national team.
Speaking at the White House reception, Trump gave the Argentine forward high marks and praised his choice to sign with Inter Miami even though he could have played elsewhere in the world.
Trump remarked, “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami.”
“I want to express my gratitude for taking us all along on this journey.”
Trump likens Pele to Messi
The US President made a controversial comparison between Messi and Brazilian football star Pelé during the ceremony, implying that the Argentine might even surpass the legendary player.
According to Trump, Messi is now the professional football player with the most trophies.
“I watched Pele play, but I shouldn’t say this because I’m old.” I’m not sure; you might be superior to Pele. He said, “Pele was pretty good.”
Noting that no American president has ever welcomed Messi in this manner, Trump also called the visit a historic occasion for the White House.
He described the Argentine superstar’s visit as a “distinct privilege.”
No American president has ever had the opportunity to remark, “It’s a distinct privilege to welcome Lionel Messi to the White House,” Trump declared.
According to Naija News, the White House visit also comes after Trump hosted Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2025.
