Donald Trump Honours Lionel Messi at White House After Inter Miami MLS Cup Triumph

US President Donald Trump honoured Lionel Messi at the White House after Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup. Trump praised Messi and said he may be better than Pelé while also mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi gifted Trump a signed ball, while Jorge Mas and Javier Mascherano presented a jersey and watch. Barron Trump 19 was revealed as a fan.

When Lionel Messi visited the White House on Thursday, he was honoured by US President Donald Trump after guiding Inter Miami to the Major League Soccer title last season. During the ceremony, Trump warmly welcomed the Argentine superstar and said it was a special moment because no previous American president had ever welcomed Messi to the White House in such a manner.

Trump also shared that his 19-year-old son Barron Trump is a huge admirer of Messi. According to the president, Barron had excitedly informed him about the football legend’s visit. While speaking about Messi’s greatness, Trump also mentioned Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and praised both players for their impact on world football. At one point, Trump compared Messi with Brazilian legend Pelé and even suggested that the Argentine might be better, which sparked cheers from those present at the event.

Several well-known personalities attended the ceremony, including Messi’s teammate Luis Suárez, MLS commissioner Don Garber, former baseball star Alex Rodriguez, and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. Messi presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami football, while club co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gifted the president a team jersey and a watch during the celebration.