Lionel Messi visited the White House this week as Inter Miami were recognized for winning the Major League Soccer Cup, bringing with him a striking gift for President Donald Trump: a jeweled pink soccer ball.
The ceremony honored the Florida club’s championship run after Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in December to secure the MLS title.
According to the Associated Press, Messi presented the decorative ball to Trump during the event, which brought together players, league officials and political figures.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 in one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season following another standout campaign.
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During remarks at the ceremony, Trump praised the Argentine star for the impact he has had on the club.
“Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very, very unusual and frankly, there’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins,” Trump said.
Messi entered the event alongside the president but did not address the audience. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely known for avoiding political commentary during public appearances.
Trump’s speech occasionally moved beyond sports, touching briefly on international issues including Iran, Venezuela, tariffs and U.S. policy toward Cuba. Much of his attention, however, remained focused on Messi and Inter Miami’s rise since the superstar arrived in South Florida.
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“You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose to go to Miami,” Trump told Messi. “I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good. Do you go to Doral? You go to Doral and play golf?”
“I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride, because you are hot and talented and a great person,” he added.
Several Inter Miami players attended the ceremony, including Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende and Rodrigo De Paul. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was also present, along with other guests and officials.
The Associated Press reported that Inter Miami became the first MLS club invited to the White House during Trump’s two presidential terms.
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Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, remains one of the most influential figures in global soccer. His arrival in the United States has significantly increased attention on MLS, boosting ticket demand, television audiences and international interest in the league.
Looking ahead, Messi is expected to feature for Argentina when the 2026 FIFA World Cup is held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said the club’s success reflects the broader growth of soccer in the United States.
“We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights. Our league can be one of the top leagues in the world,” Mas said.
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Inter Miami will stay in the Washington area before facing D.C. United in an MLS match on Saturday.
Sources: Associated Press (AP)
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