Donald Trump Labels Messi 'Better Than Pele' As Inter Miami Honoured At Whitehouse !

Last Updated:March 06, 2026, 08:43 IST

Trump praised Messi's impact on the sport in USA and compared him to three-time World Cup-winning Brazilian legend Pele, who also had a stint in the USA with the New York Cosmos.

President Donald Trump of the United States welcomed Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi to the White House on Friday as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his teammates were honoured for their MLS Cup victory. Messi led the Herons to a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps to secure the title.

Trump praised Messi’s impact on the sport in the USA and compared him to three-time World Cup-winning Brazilian legend Pele, who also had a stint in the USA with the New York Cosmos.

Trump called Messi the Greatest Of All Time as the said, “You may be better than Pele," with the Inter Miami squad agreeing in unison.

“I’ve seen a lot of great players come into the world of sports. They come to the Yankees or they come to the Dodgers… and there’s such a clamor," he said.

“Leo, you came in and you won. There’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know because you’re sort of expected to win," he added.

In an unusual display, Trump highlighted USA’s military success amid the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis.

“We like champions, we like winners," he said.

“The US military, along with our wonderful Israeli partners, continues to completely demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule," Trump added.

“We are destroying more of Iran’s missiles and drone capability every single hour."

“We want to fight now more than they do. We’ve had 47 years of horror with this group, depending on how you count it," said the 47th President of the USA.

Accompanied by owner Jorge Mas, the Herons presented Trump with a trademark pink jersey featuring the number 47, representing the 47th President of the USA.

“We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights. Our league can be one of the top leagues in the world," Mas said.

“And it is this ability to dream, to persevere, to have no obstacles ahead of us, that will continue to bring us success," he continued.

“And hopefully, Mr. President, this is not our only visit here celebrating an MLS Cup championship," Mas added.

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