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Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are celebrated at the White House by US President Donald Trump on March 5, 2026, following their MLS Cup win, where Messi led The Herons to a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
At the main event, Trump announced, “It is my unique opportunity to say what no president of the United States 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 even mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, who visited the White House last year. “My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I have a lot going on.’ He said, ‘Messi! He is your biggest fan. He thinks you are just a great person. And I think you should have met a while ago. So he’s a big football fan, but he’s your biggest fan. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is good. You are beautiful.”
Lionel’s answer? A bright smile.
Donald Trump: “Lionel Messi is here”
My son said: ‘DAD, YOU KNOW WHO WILL BE HERE TODAY?’
I told him: ‘No, I have a lot of things to do..'”
Watch 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. Responding to the incident, one fan wrote, “He said my son is a big fan of you and a gentleman named Ronaldo. He realized they are big sportsmen too. So it’s understandable.” Another said, “What was Ronaldo doing at the speech.”
Trump even sparked a debate on the quality of soccer, asking the crowd who was better: Messi or Pele. “You can be better than Pele,” he joked, showing off his football skills.
Inter Miami made history as the first MLS team to visit the White House during Donald Trump’s two-term presidency. The party had plenty of playful moments, including one that left Rodrigo De Paul blushing. Trump called, ‘Where’s Rodrigo?’ before turning his attention to the team line and saying tongue in cheek, “Do you have any ugly players? I love the ugliest players.”
On the other hand, Trump received a signed Inter Miami ball from Messi. Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano also presented him with a team jersey.
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