WASHINGTON – Today, the White House is set to receive Inter Miami CF, the reigning MLS Cup champions, a visit steeped in both sporting celebration and political undertones. All eyes are on whether Lionel Messi, the team’s superstar and one of the greatest footballers of all time, will join his teammates for the meeting with President Donald Trump. The visit, confirmed by the White House, is scheduled for this afternoon in the East Room, beginning around 4 p.m. ET (6 p.m. Argentina time), according to reports from the presidential press pool.
The invitation to Inter Miami follows their victory over Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6, 2025, securing the MLS Cup title. This tradition of recognizing championship teams at the White House is a long-standing one, as evidenced by a recent visit from the U.S. Men’s Hockey team, who met with President Trump after winning gold at the Winter Olympics.
While the team made the trip to Washington D.C. On Thursday morning, with videos circulating on social media showing players boarding the plane, Messi’s attendance remained uncertain as of midday. The potential meeting between Messi and Trump carries particular weight, given Trump’s well-documented admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s longtime rival. Trump has previously described Ronaldo as “the best player in the world,” and even hosted him and his wife, Georgina Rodríguez, at the White House, displaying a framed photo of the two together in the Palm Room.
A History of Recognition, and a Bit of Political Navigation
This isn’t the first instance of a U.S. President recognizing Messi’s achievements. In January 2025, President Joe Biden awarded Messi the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his contributions to soccer, his philanthropic work through the Leo Messi Foundation, and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. However, due to scheduling conflicts during Inter Miami’s offseason, Messi was unable to attend the ceremony.
The upcoming visit also comes after both Trump and Messi were in Miami in November for the Americas Business Forum, though they did not have a direct encounter then. The Inter Miami team’s trip to the nation’s capital precedes a Saturday match against D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, adding a logistical layer to the visit.
Trump’s Affinity for Football’s Stars
President Trump’s interest in football extends beyond Ronaldo. He recently described both Messi and Ronaldo as “great,” and even joked about his son Barron being a fan of the Portuguese star, stating that meeting Ronaldo earned him some respect from his son. He has also fostered a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom he considers an ally. In November, Ronaldo was the guest of honor at an exclusive White House gala attended by 140 guests, including the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The gala, held in the East Room, highlighted Trump’s growing engagement with the sport as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico, and Canada. Trump has expressed optimism about the U.S. Team’s performance in the tournament.
Messi’s Previous Hesitancy with Political Events
Messi has historically maintained a distance from overtly political events. His absence from the Medal of Freedom ceremony, cited as a “scheduling issue,” reflects a pattern of avoiding direct involvement in political settings. This stance is not uncommon among high-profile athletes, as seen when several Philadelphia Eagles players declined to attend a White House celebration following their Super Bowl victory.
The Inter Miami visit occurs amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, with tensions in the Middle East dominating headlines. The White House is navigating these international challenges while also hosting the MLS champions.
Whether Messi will ultimately join his teammates in meeting with President Trump remains to be seen. The White House has confirmed his expected presence, but the final decision rests with the player himself. The potential photo opportunity between the two figures would undoubtedly be a significant moment, given their contrasting public personas and the existing dynamic between Trump and Ronaldo.
Inter Miami will continue their 2026 MLS season following the White House visit, with their match against D.C. United on Saturday serving as the next confirmed event on their schedule. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see if Messi’s presence at the White House signals a shift in his approach to political engagements.
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