Trending Now - Trump Hosts Messi at White House, Critiques Modern MLB

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami CF

Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami

Jose Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami

Alex Rodriguez, retired baseball star

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner

Barron Trump, son of President Trump

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami (not in attendance)

WHAT:

President Trump hosted Inter Miami CF at the White House to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup win.

Messi presented Trump with a pink soccer ball and a jersey with "Trump" and the number 47.

Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup on December 6, 2025, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1.

Messi scored 29 goals and provided 16 assists in 28 matches during the 2025 season, winning the MLS Golden Boot Award and back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP Awards.

Trump criticized modern Major League Baseball (MLB), stating, "They do things wrong."

WHERE:

East Room of the White House, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

The event took place on March 5, 2026.

Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023.

The 2025 MLS Cup was held on December 6, 2025.

WHY:

The event was part of a long-standing tradition of U.S. presidents honoring championship-winning sports teams.

HOW:

The celebration included speeches from Trump and team representatives, with Messi and his teammates in attendance.

Trump invited the team to the Oval Office following the reception.

Yesterday, President Trump hosted Inter Miami CF at the White House to celebrate their impressive victory in the 2025 MLS Cup, where they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps three to one. During the event, Lionel Messi presented Trump with a pink soccer ball and a jersey featuring his name and the number 47, while Trump took the opportunity to criticize modern Major League Baseball. The celebration, held in the East Room, included speeches from Trump and team representatives, and the president invited the team to the Oval Office following the reception.