On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the Inter Miami soccer team, including the renowned Argentine player Lionel Messi, at the White House to commemorate their victory in the previous season of Major League Soccer (MLS).
This visit marked Messi's inaugural appearance at the White House and also his first in-person meeting with Trump. In the past, Trump had also welcomed Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, proudly displaying photos of both athletes in the Oval Office.
In a gesture of appreciation, Inter Miami's players presented the U.S. President with a team jersey featuring the number 47, symbolizing Trump's position as the 47th president.
Though Messi and Trump had crossed paths at the American Business Forum held in Miami last November, where global figures such as Argentine President Javier Milei, actor Will Smith, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and former tennis stars Serena Williams and Rafa Nadal were present, they had not met personally until now.
It is worth noting that Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025 during the final days of Joe Biden's administration. However, the captain of Inter Miami and the Argentine national team was unable to attend the ceremony due to prior commitments.
Details on Messi's White House Visit
What was the occasion for Messi's visit to the White House?
Messi visited the White House to celebrate Inter Miami's victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Has Messi met President Trump before this visit?
Messi and Trump had previously been at the same event, the American Business Forum, but had not met personally until this White House visit.