Trending Now - Messi and Mascherano Face Backlash Over Trump Meeting During Tensions

WHO:

Lionel Messi, soccer player and captain of Inter Miami

President Donald Trump, U.S. President

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami

Jorge Mas Santos, co-owner of Inter Miami

Ali Abunimah, Palestinian-American writer

Leyla Hamed, Spanish journalist

Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer player and Messi's longtime rival

Sean Johnson, goalkeeper for D.C. United

Louis Munteanu, forward for D.C. United

WHAT:

Messi and Inter Miami were honored at the White House on March 5, 2026, for winning the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup.

Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 to win their first MLS Cup championship.

Messi was named the league’s MVP for the second consecutive season.

Trump stated, “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.'”

Messi presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami soccer ball.

Trump discussed military actions against Iran, stating, “The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy.”

Messi received backlash on social media for applauding Trump during his comments on military actions.

Messi has scored 52 goals in 55 MLS regular-season games, bringing his career total to 898 goals.

If Messi scores twice against D.C. United, he will reach 900 career goals.

WHERE:

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

Inter Miami, based in Miami, Florida

D.C. United, based in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

March 5, 2026: Date of the White House event

December 2025: Date Inter Miami won the MLS title

March 1, 2026: Date Messi scored twice against Orlando City

March 11, 2026: Potential date for Messi to reach 900 career goals against Nashville SC

WHY:

The visit to the White House was a tradition for championship teams in the MLS.

Messi's appearance was surprising to some due to his history of avoiding political involvement.

HOW:

The event included a ceremony where Messi and his teammates were honored by Trump, who also made political comments regarding military actions.

The team spent a couple of hours at the White House, following a protocol for championship teams.

On March 5, 2026, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored at the White House for winning the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup, where President Trump welcomed Messi with the historic words, “Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.” During the ceremony, Messi presented Trump with a signed soccer ball, but he faced backlash on social media for applauding Trump’s comments on military actions against Iran. As Messi continues to shine on the field, he has scored 52 goals in 55 MLS regular-season games, and if he nets two more against D.C. United, he will reach an impressive milestone of 900 career goals.