Javier Mascherano (foto: Getty Images)
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano criticized the team’s White House visit with Donald Trump, saying the event felt political rather than a football celebration after their MLS title.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted the team’s visit to the White House with Donald Trump did not feel like a football celebration.
The squad traveled to Washington after winning the MLS title, expecting a short ceremony and congratulations from the president. Instead, according to Mascherano, the event focused more on politics than sport.
"We were told the visit would be short, that they would congratulate us on the championship and that everything would happen in a football spirit," said Mascherano.
"The truth looked different. We arrived early, waited a long time, saw only a small part of the White House, and met the president only in front of the cameras."
The Argentine coach explained that the team followed official protocol after the visit had been arranged weeks earlier.
"We are mature enough not to mix sports and politics. The visit was organized two months ago, and we simply followed protocol."
The scene echoed other recent meetings between football and politics. Juventus also visited the White House in a similar context, while Cristiano Ronaldo recently met Donald Trump during a politically sensitive moment in international football.
Mascherano ended his remarks with a broader reflection on the global situation.
"We are aware the world today looks different from how it looked two months ago."