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Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were celebrated at the White House by President of the United States Donald Trump on March 5, 2026, after their MLS Cup victory in which Messi led the Herons to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
in a grand ceremony Trump announced that “It is my great privilege to say what no American president has ever had the opportunity to say before: ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.'”
Trump also revealed that his 19-year-old son Barron is a big fan of the Argentine star. He also mentioned Cristiano. Ronaldo, who also went to the White House last year “My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who will be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I have a lot going on.’ He said, ‘Messi! He is your biggest fan. He thinks you’re just a wonderful person. And I think you’ll see each other again for a while. He is a big football fan. But he is your biggest fan. and a gentleman named Ronaldo Cristiano is very good, you are very good.”
Lionel’s answer? bright smile
Donald Trump: “Lionel Messi has arrived”
My son said: ‘Dad, do you know who will be here today?’
I told him, ‘No, I have a lot to do…'”
Look at Messi’s reaction when Trump said Ronaldo😭
pic.twitter.com/9Wxh2stcmd
— Miss ADEL🦋🦚🌹 (@a_derll) March 5, 2026
The mention of Ronaldo received mixed reactions, with one fan writing in reaction to the moment: “He said my son is your biggest fan and a gentleman named Ronaldo. He remembers them as being very good athletes as well. So it’s understandable,” another person commented. “What did Ronaldo do in his speech?”
Trump also sparked debate about the greatness of football. By asking the crowd who is better: Messi or Pele? “You might be better than Pele,” he joked, showing off his football knowledge.
Inter Miami made history as the first MLS team to visit the White House during Donald Trump’s two presidential terms. The ceremony had many fun moments. Including moments that would make Rodrigo de Paul blush. Trump shouted: ‘Where’s Rodrigo?’ before turning his attention to the team’s squad with a cheeky comment: “Are there any bad-looking players? I much prefer bad-looking players.”
In return, Trump received a signed Inter Miami ball from Messi Jorge Mas, and head coach Javier Mascherano also gave him a team shirt.
Read also | Will Al Nasser star Cristiano Ronaldo miss the 2026 World Cup? This is what we know.
