lionel messi

Messi meets Trump at the White House

President Donald Trump receives a soccer ball trophy from Lionel Messi during an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) / Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Soccer star Lionel Messi and Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Inter Miami visited U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Thursday.

Trump touted Messi and the Miami team — which also includes world football notables such as Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Trump touted Messi, who has starred for FC Barcelona and Argentina.

He also mentioned Messi’s contemporary rival Cristiano Ronaldo during the White House ceremony.

Trump also talked about Brazilian soccer icon Pele and the old New York Cosmos soccer team.

Inter Miami won the MLS Cup in 2025. The team is co-owned by English soccer and pop culture legend David Beckham.

Beckham was not at the White House event hosted by Trump, citing a schedule conflict.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and Messi presented Trump with a pink #47 jersey and bedazzled soccer ball at the White House event that also featured former baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Lionel Messi at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) / Alex Brandon

President Donald Trump poses for a photo as head coach Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas present gifts at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) / Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Lionel Messi arrives with President Donald Trump at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) / Alex Brandon

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Messi meets Trump at the White House

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