Inter Miami Celebrates MLS Cup Victory at White House
Inter Miami's Historic White House Visit
On Thursday, players and officials from Inter Miami gathered at the White House to commemorate their inaugural victory in the MLS Cup. During the event held in the East Room, team captain Lionel Messi presented a special gift to President Donald Trump. Messi entered the venue alongside Trump and club co-owner Jorge Mas, with the rest of the team positioned behind them. The Argentine superstar later gifted the president a signature pink soccer ball from Miami. Additionally, Trump received an Inter Miami jersey and a watch from Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano.
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This gathering aligns with a longstanding tradition in American sports, where championship teams are welcomed at the White House following significant victories, as reported by ESPN.
Purpose of Inter Miami's White House Visit
The visit was organized to celebrate Inter Miami’s triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup, where they secured a 3-1 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This win marked the club's first league title since its inception in Major League Soccer in 2020. The franchise, co-owned by former England star David Beckham, has experienced a swift ascent in the league.
During the ceremony, Trump addressed the team and warmly welcomed Messi to the White House. He remarked, “We’re honoring truly talented people. It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.” Trump also shared a personal anecdote about his son’s admiration for Messi, stating, “My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’ He’s a big fan of yours.”
In his remarks, Trump also acknowledged Messi’s rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, saying, “Cristiano is great. You’re great.” After the ceremony, Trump invited the players and staff to visit the Oval Office.
This event marked Messi’s first visit to the White House since relocating to the United States to join Inter Miami in July 2023. Although he received an invitation from former President Joe Biden to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom in early 2025, Messi was unable to attend due to prior commitments. Inter Miami later issued a statement expressing that Messi felt honored by the recognition but had scheduling conflicts that prevented his attendance.
White House visits by MLS champions have a rich history, dating back to DC United's visit after their championship win in 1998. The LA Galaxy also made several visits after clinching MLS Cups in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Inter Miami officials expressed that the club's achievement reflects the aspirations of both the organization and its players. Jorge Mas stated during the ceremony, “This championship was very, very well deserved, greatly played. And you’re looking at one of the best teams on the face of the earth standing behind us.” He emphasized that the club's success stemmed from belief and determination, adding, “This all became possible because we dared to dream.”