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President Donald Trump has shown his love for sports many times, in and out of office, and he has seen talent from around the world compete for glory.
But as Trump hosted Inter Miami CF, the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions, at the White House on Thursday, he couldn’t help but praise one of the best to ever play the sport — a great who won with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“I have to say this. I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports and they’ve come from all different countries, all different players,” Trump said during his speech at the White House. “They’ve come from some cases from different states. They come to the Yankees, or they come to the Dodgers, or they come from whatever. I’ve seen them come from other countries and there’s such glamor [like]’Oh, everything is great.’ But they don’t win. This guy won.
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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Argentina star Lionel Messi during an event for Inter Miami CF, winners of the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 5, 2026. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
When Trump turned around, he addressed Messi directly.
“He came in, there was a huge fanfare and he won. But it’s true, they don’t win. They come in, they’re great players, they can even play OK, but they don’t win. Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very difficult to, very unusual. And frankly, there’s a lot more pressure that’s put on you than anyone would know to win. they’re great, they’re the best in the world, they’re paid a fortune. You got in and you won with all that pressure. That’s a great tribute, so congrats.
Trump added that his son, Barron, was ecstatic about Messi’s arrival with his Inter Miami CF teammates at the White House.
“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve got a lot going on.’ He said, ‘Messi!'” Trump said as the crowd laughed.
“He’s a big football fan and a huge fan of yours.”
Trump also invoked Brazilian Pelé, saying he got to see him play for the New York Cosmos, having been good friends with their owner, Steve Ross, who is known for popularizing soccer in the United States. Trump asked the crowd who was better, Pelé or Messi, and the latter simply smiled as the room agreed that it was the Argentine legend who took that award.
United States President Donald Trump points to Argentina star Lionel Messi (L) during an event for Inter Miami CF, winners of the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 5, 2026. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump listed Inter Miami’s achievements in which Messi played a big role. He had 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 games played last season for Inter Miami, making him the MLS Golden Boot Award winner for most goals. He also won back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP Awards.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas spoke for the team, while his brother and co-owner Jose Mas watched from the crowd. David Beckham, the British soccer legend who also has a stake in the MLS squad, did not attend the White House as he supported his wife, Victoria Beckham, with her fashion show.
The team provided a pink Inter Miami jersey with Trump stitched on the back along with the number 47 to celebrate his place among the presidents of the United States.
Messi and many others behind him will also participate in the World Cup later this summer, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
United States President Donald Trump speaks during an event celebrating 2025 MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House on March 5, 2026 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Messi and Argentina are the reigning champions after defeating France on penalties in a dramatic final in Qatar. The 38-year-old finally lifted the World Cup trophy after chasing it throughout his prime with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi has collected two Copa América titles, four UEFA Champions League titles and has won eight Ballon d’Or awards for the best footballer in the world. He can now add MLS champion to his illustrious resume, and Trump lavishly praised him and the rest of Inter Miami on Thursday afternoon in Washington DC
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