The entire squad and management of Inter Miami CF, including star forward Lionel Messi, visited the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where they were officially welcomed by United States President Donald Trump.
The visit took place in the afternoon during a formal reception organised to celebrate Inter Miami’s 2025 Major League Soccer championship victory, continuing a long-standing American tradition in which championship teams are invited to the White House following their title wins.
Purpose of the Visit
The primary purpose of the event was to recognise Inter Miami’s triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS).
The Florida-based club secured the title on December 6, 2025, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 to claim the club’s first MLS Cup in history.
The White House ceremony was held in the East Room, where President Trump addressed the players, coaching staff, league officials and invited guests, congratulating the team for its success during the 2025 season.
Messi and Team in Attendance
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi attended the ceremony alongside several of his teammates and club officials.
Among the players present were:
Luis Suárez
Rodrigo De Paul
Tadeo Allende
Senior figures from the league and club leadership also attended the event, including Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, and Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas.
During the ceremony, Messi presented President Trump with a decorative pink soccer ball, a symbolic gift associated with Inter Miami’s team colours.
The president also received additional memorabilia related to the club.
Remarks During the Ceremony
In his remarks, President Trump congratulated the players and acknowledged Messi’s influence on the team and the league.
He noted the expectations placed on the Argentine star after joining Inter Miami and praised the club’s achievement in securing the championship.
The ceremony concluded with the team posing for photographs with the president and later being invited to visit the Oval Office, where additional discussions and interactions took place with the players and club representatives.
Part of U.S. Sports Tradition
Inviting championship teams to the White House is a long-standing tradition in American sports, where presidents host title-winning teams from major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS.
Inter Miami’s appearance marked the club’s first White House visit following its inaugural MLS Cup victory, highlighting the team’s rapid rise since Messi joined the club in 2023.
The team remained in the Washington area following the ceremony as part of its travel schedule ahead of an upcoming MLS match against D.C. United later that week.
The White House reception officially recognised Inter Miami’s championship season while celebrating the club’s contribution to the growth and visibility of professional soccer in the United States.
