After Cristiano Ronaldo previously met Donald Trump, another global football icon, Lionel Messi, also had an interaction with the former US president. Messi, along with the squad of Inter Miami CF, visited the White House following their triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup. During the ceremony, Trump compared Messi with Ronaldo, and the Argentine star’s subtle reaction quickly went viral online.
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph leads to White House visit
In the MLS Cup final, Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 to secure the title. To celebrate the victory, Trump invited the team to the White House for a reception. The entire Inter Miami squad attended the event under the leadership of Messi.
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During the ceremony, Messi presented Trump with a signed Inter Miami pink jersey along with a football. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano also gifted the former president a jersey and a watch.
Donald Trump: "Lionel Messi is here"
— Miss ADELðŸ‹ðŸðŸŒ (@a_derll) March 5, 2026
My son said: 'DAD, DO YOU KNOW WHO'S GOING TO BE HERE TODAY?'
I told him: 'No, I have a lot of things to do...'"
Look at Messis reaction when Trump said RonaldoðŸ˜
pic.twitter.com/9Wxh2stcmd
Trump compares Messi and Ronaldo
While addressing the gathering, Trump spoke about football and mentioned the long-running debate between Messi and Ronaldo. Referring to his son Barron, Trump said that Barron is a huge admirer of Messi and considers him a great player.
He added that Ronaldo is also an exceptional footballer, acknowledging the greatness of both stars. As Trump made the remark, cameras captured Messi giving a subtle smile, a reaction that quickly went viral on social media.
Trump names Pelé as the greatest
The event was attended by several well-known personalities including Luis Suarez, Don Garber, Andrew Giuliani and World Cup Task Force head Alex Rodriguez.
During his speech, Trump also shared his view on the greatest footballer of all time, choosing Pelé. He said that although Messi might be considered better by many, Pelé remains the greatest player in his eyes because he had personally watched the Brazilian legend play.
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Trump also thanked Messi for choosing to play in Major League Soccer. He noted that the Argentine star could have joined any club or league in the world but instead chose Miami, a move he said has helped football grow in the United States.
