WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump welcomed soccer team Inter Miami CF to the White House on March 5 as the winner of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) cup.
The team’s captain, Lionel Messi, was among the guests who met the president. Inter Miami won its first MLS Cup championship on Dec. 6, 2025, by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi provided two assists and was named the match’s most valuable player. The Argentine-born soccer player is widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
David Beckham, who is the co-owner and president of Inter Miami, didn’t attend the event.
Soccer player Lionel Messi during MLS Champions Inter Miami CF’s visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
President Donald Trump receives gifts from Inter Miami CF CEO and Managing Owner Jorge Mas (R) and Lionel Messi (L) of Inter Miami CF during an event celebrating the 2025 MLS Cup Champions at the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Gifts from soccer team Inter Miami CF for President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
President Donald Trump speaks during Inter Miami CF’s visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Soccer player Lionel Messi during Inter Miami CF’s visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
White House Military Office personnel ahead of an event with Inter Miami CF, winners of the 2025 MLS Championship, at the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends an event with Inter Miami CF at the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Former professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez attends an event with Inter Miami CF at the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
President Donald Trump shakes hands with soccer player Lionel Messi at the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
A pink soccer ball as a gift from soccer team Inter Miami CF to President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
President Donald Trump and Inter Miami CF CEO and Managing Owner Jorge Mas during Inter Miami CF’s visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Inter Miami CF CEO and Managing Owner Jorge Mas during a visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
President Donald Trump (C) welcomes soccer player Lionel Messi (L) and Inter Miami CF CEO and Managing Owner Jorge Mas (R) to the White House during a visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Soccer players Luis Suárez (L) and Lionel Messi (R) and during a visit to the White House on March 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
