Washington DC, March 6: In a moment that quickly went viral across global sports and political circles, US President Donald Trump welcomed soccer legend Lionel Messi and the MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami, to the White House on Thursday, March 5. The official White House social media channels marked the occasion by sharing a high-profile photograph of the President alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, accompanied by the singular, bold caption: “CHAMPIONS.” The meeting represents the first time Messi has visited the White House, following a previously declined invitation from the former administration due to scheduling conflicts.

The ceremony took place in the East Room, where President Trump lauded Inter Miami’s rapid ascent to the top of Major League Soccer. Addressing a crowd that included club co-owner Jorge Mas and teammates such as Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Trump praised Messi’s impact on American sports, stating, “Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure on you than anyone would know, because you’re expected to win, and you did.” Cristiano Ronaldo Attends Dinner at White House! Star Footballer Spotted in Event Hosted By US President Donald Trump in Honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (Watch Video).

Donald Trump and Lionel Messi Meet for Historic White House Visit

The 'Champions' Meeting

The widely circulated "POTUS x MESSI" image captures the two icons walking side-by-side, a visual that many sports commentators described as a significant "optics win" for the league. During the visit, Messi and Jorge Mas presented the President with a signature pink Inter Miami jersey featuring the number 47, reflecting Trump’s status as the 47th President of the United States.

Messi, who has historically maintained an apolitical public persona, did not speak during the ceremony but was seen smiling and nodding as the President compared his legacy to that of Brazilian legend Pelé. The White House’s decision to headline the meeting with the word "CHAMPIONS" emphasised the shared narrative of victory between the administration and the reigning MLS titleholders. Donald Trump Meets Google, Microsoft, Meta and Others To Sign Energy Pledge Ahead of Midterms.

A Milestone for Inter Miami

For Inter Miami, the visit marks a crowning achievement in its short six-year history. Club owner Jorge Mas used the platform to highlight how the team has “changed the culture of football in the United States forever.” He noted that the presence of global superstars like Messi has allowed the MLS to "play with the big boys" on the international stage.

The timing of the visit is also strategically significant, occurring just months before the United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Messi expected to lead Argentina in the tournament this summer, the White House meeting underscored the sport's growing prominence in the American cultural landscape.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2026 07:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).