Lionel Messi recently appeared alongside U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House event honoring Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory. The meeting between the global football star and the political leader quickly drew attention online, with many fans reacting to images and videos from the ceremony.
Lionel Messi meets Donald Trump and fans have thoughts
Lionel Messi met U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House reception honoring Inter Miami for winning the 2025 MLS Cup. Messi entered the East Room with Trump and co-owner Jorge Mas and presented the president with a signature Miami pink soccer ball. Trump also received a Miami jersey and a watch from team officials during the ceremony.
The visit marked Messi’s first trip to the White House since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. Trump said during the ceremony, “It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.” The ceremony celebrated Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup championship win season.
Photos and videos of Messi and Trump circulated online after the ceremony, prompting reactions from some fans on social media. One user wrote, “Messi we was just defending you and saying you’re better than Ronaldo and now you’re accepting an award,” expressing disappointment. Another user posted, “We were saying Messi was better after Ronaldo met Trump months ago.”
The White House reception followed a long-standing American sports tradition of honoring championship teams. D.C. United became the first MLS club to visit in 1998 after winning the MLS Cup, while the LA Galaxy attended multiple times following titles in 2011, 2012, and 2014. Inter Miami players, including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, attended the ceremony together.
During the ceremony, Trump also praised Messi’s achievements with Inter Miami. Trump said, “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very, very unusual, and frankly, there’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know.” Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale.
