- The Miami squad presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey in the team’s signature pink kit
- In response, Jorge Mas emphasized the team’s rapid rise since its 2020 debut, attributing success to hard work
- Trump opened with remarks touching on global affairs before turning to celebrate the team’s accomplishments
Argentina’s football icon Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were honored at the White House on Thursday by President Donald Trump following their triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Messi, along with coach Javier Mascherano, team co-owner Jorge Mas, and other players, joined Trump in the East Room for a ceremony that highlighted both their MLS victory and the growing influence of soccer in the United States.
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Trump opened with remarks touching on global affairs before turning to celebrate the team’s accomplishments, drawing parallels to Brazilian legend Pelé’s era with the New York Cosmos.
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play,” Trump said. “I don’t know, you may even be better than Pele. Pele was incredible.”
The Miami squad presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey in the team’s signature pink kit, acknowledging his position as the nation’s 47th president.
Trump also highlighted standout players, including Luis Suarez, rising talent Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul, while noting Messi’s unique achievement of winning under high expectations.
“Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure on you than anyone realizes because people expect you to win,” Trump remarked.
Trump recapped Miami’s 2025 season, including their 3-1 MLS Cup final victory over Vancouver Whitecaps and their historic 2-1 Club World Cup win over Portuguese side Porto, the first time a North American team defeated a European opponent in official competition.
In response, Jorge Mas emphasized the team’s rapid rise since its 2020 debut, attributing success to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to changing the culture of soccer in the United States.
“This is not only because of Lionel Messi,” Mas said, “but because these men standing behind you have transformed football in America. We can compete with the best.”
The event offered a rare, celebratory look at soccer’s growing stature in the U.S. and highlighted Messi’s continued influence on the sport beyond international competitions.
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