Inter Miami Celebrates MLS Cup Victory at the White House
On a momentous Thursday, Lionel Messi and the 2025 MLS Cup champions Inter Miami graced the White House, alongside an array of notable athletes, including former New York Yankee and current Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez. This noteworthy celebration took place in the East Room, marking a significant achievement for the storied soccer club co-owned by David Beckham.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
Key Attendees
- Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami
- Alex Rodriguez, former MLB player
- Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
- Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General
Rodriguez, despite lacking formal ties to the club, has a rich history with Miami and seemed to be personally invited by President Donald Trump for the event.
Trump’s Acknowledgment of A-Rod
In an engaging moment during the ceremony, President Trump paid tribute to Rodriguez, calling him a “big fan” of the baseball star. He reminisced about watching Rodriguez play for the Yankees while in the company of the late owner George Steinbrenner.
The Importance of Messi
The ceremony primarily celebrated the MLS Cup-winning achievement of Inter Miami, a team that includes one of soccer’s greatest talents, Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar made waves in the MLS since joining the franchise and continues to elevate the profile of soccer in the U.S.
Honors Bestowed
During the event:
- Messi presented Trump with a personalized No. 47 Inter Miami jersey.
- Other gifts included a diamond-studded pink soccer ball and a limited-edition Tudor watch.
Trump took the opportunity to express his admiration for Messi, stating he believes Messi surpasses the legendary Pelé, a player he fondly remembered from the New York Cosmos era in the 1970s.
"Who’s better, him or Pelé?" Trump posed to the Inter Miami players, before pointing to Messi. "I think he is, but Pelé is pretty good."
An Awkward Moment
While addressing Messi, Trump attempted to connect on a personal level by mentioning his youngest son Barron, who is a fan of both Messi and fellow soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. This sparked a moment where Trump acknowledged Ronaldo’s previous visit to the White House.
“Barron thinks you’re just a great person. He’s a tremendous fan of yours—along with a gentleman named Ronaldo… Some great athletes in that sport.”
Conclusion: Celebrating Soccer’s Rise in America
The White House ceremony served as a pivotal moment in recognizing the accomplishments of Inter Miami CF, further highlighting the rising influence of soccer in the United States. With Messi’s impact on the team and the sport’s popularity garnering attention, the future looks bright for soccer in America.
For further insights into Lionel Messi’s contribution to MLS and soccer in general, visit MLS or check out Inter Miami’s Official Page.
