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President Donald Trump has shown his love for sports on numerous occasions, both in and out of office, and has seen talent from around the world compete for glory.
But as Trump hosted 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions Inter Miami CF 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 sports world, and they were from all different countries, all different players,” Trump said during his speech at the White House. “They’ve come, in 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, it’s all right.’ But they don’t win. This guy won.
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U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Argentine 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, March 5, 2026. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
As 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 well, but they don’t win. Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s a very difficult thing to do, very unusual. And frankly, there’s a lot more pressure on you than anyone would think because you’re kind of expected to win. But almost no one does wins. They come in, they’re great, they’re the best in the world, they get paid a fortune. You came in and you won with all that pressure, it’s an incredible tribute, so congratulations.
Trump added that his son, Barron, was excited about Messi’s arrival with his Inter Miami CF teammates at the White House.
“My son said to me, ‘Dad, do you know who will be here today?’ I said, “No, there’s a lot going on. “He said, ‘Messi!'” Trump said as those in attendance laughed.
“He’s a big football fan and a big fan of yours.”
Trump also invoked Brazilian great Pelé, saying he had the opportunity to watch him play for the New York Cosmos, having been a good friend of their owner, Steve Ross, known for popularizing soccer in the United States. Trump asked the crowd who was better, Pele or Messi, and the latter simply smiled when the room agreed that the Argentine legend took home that award.
U.S. President Donald Trump shows Argentina star Lionel Messi (left) 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, March 5, 2026. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump listed the achievements of Inter Miami, in which Messi played an important role. He recorded 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 matches played last season for Inter Miami, making him the MLS Golden Boot winner for most goals. He also won back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP Awards.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas spoke on behalf of the team, while his brother and co-owner Jose Mas watched from the crowd. David Beckham, the British soccer legend who also competes for the MLS team, is not present at the White House because he was supporting his wife, Victoria Beckham, with her fashion show.
The team gave away a pink Inter Miami jersey with Trump sewn on the back along with the number 47 to commemorate his place among the presidents of the United States.
Messi and many others behind him will also take part in the World Cup later this summer, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event celebrating 2025 MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House March 5, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Messi and Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France on penalties in a dramatic final in Qatar. The 38-year-old was finally able to lift the World Cup trophy, after chasing it throughout his career with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi has won two Copa América titles, four UEFA Champions League titles and won eight Ballon d’Or awards for the world’s best footballer. He can now add MLS champion to his illustrious resume, and Trump congratulated him and the rest of Inter Miami in grand fanfare Thursday afternoon in Washington DC.
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