Trump hosts Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at White House to honor 2025 MLS Cup champions
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Summary
President Donald J. Trump hosted Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at the White House, praising the team's on-field achievements and accepting gifts from co-owner Jorge Mas; the president also used the remarks to note wider diplomatic and economic topics.
President Donald J. Trump welcomed members of Inter Miami, including co-owner Jorge Mas and forward Lionel Messi, to the White House to honor the club's 2025 MLS Cup victory. "Today, we're thrilled to host the 2025 MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami," he said, praising the players and the club's supporters.
Why it matters: The visit marked a ceremonial presidential recognition of a major professional sports championship and highlighted the administration's use of high-profile sporting events to frame broader domestic and international themes.
Trump lauded Inter Miami's season and Messi's role in it, saying, "With 29 goals in the regular season alone, Leo won the prize golden boot, becoming the first player to be named the league MVP twice in a row." He credited coaching and ownership for building a winning culture and singled out team moments, calling Inter Miami's victory over European competition in the FIFA Club World Cup a "truly historic" achievement.
Jorge Mas, the club co-owner, addressed the president and guests, thanking those in attendance and recounting the team's rise from an idea seven years earlier. "On behalf of myself, my wife, Aleida, my brother, Jose, and his wife, Patty, and my whole family ... I wanna express to you what an extreme honor and privilege it is to be in the people's house," Mas said, adding that the club sought to reflect the South Florida community.
The Mas family presented the president with a limited-edition Inter Miami jersey and a commemorative item. After remarking from the podium, Trump invited the team to continue to the Oval Office for an informal presentation and photographs, saying, "I wanna just invite the team to the Oval Office, very, very special place."
The ceremony included references to league officials and staff in attendance; the president recognized MLS Commissioner Don Garber and credited domestic and international players for elevating the sport in the United States. The event continued privately in the Oval Office after the on-stage remarks.
The White House event was ceremonial in purpose: it celebrated Inter Miami's championship season, showcased visiting players and owners, and provided a moment of public recognition at the presidential residence.