Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Donald Trump (foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House after winning the MLS Cup, but the ceremony drew attention after Donald Trump used the event to deliver political messages.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates visited the White House after their historic MLS Cup 2025 victory, yet the ceremony quickly turned into something more than a sporting celebration.
The event took place in the East Room, where US President Donald Trump welcomed the team and praised Messi’s influence on football in the United States. Inter Miami won the league title in December with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Messi stood on stage alongside club owner Jorge Mas while teammates such as Luis Suárez watched from behind. The Argentine star even presented the president with a customized Inter Miami jersey and a pink soccer ball during the ceremony. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
However, the gathering soon shifted away from football. During his speech, Trump spent several minutes discussing global politics, including tensions with Iran and relations with countries such as Venezuela and Cuba. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
While the president spoke about international conflicts and the state of the US economy, the players remained mostly silent behind him on the stage.
The moment created an unusual scene. Inter Miami features one of the most internationally diverse squads in Major League Soccer, with players coming from countries across Europe and Latin America.
Many observers noted the contrast between the political tone of the speech and the original reason for the event, which was meant to honor the club’s sporting achievement.
The visit also sparked debate about Messi, who has largely avoided political involvement throughout his career. Analysts described his appearance at the ceremony as unusual for a player who typically keeps a distance from political issues. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
In the end, what started as a celebration of Inter Miami’s MLS title turned into a broader political spectacle, with football’s biggest star standing quietly at the center of the scene.