Messi-Trump Meet-up Due? Inter Miami Set For White House Visit After MLS Triumph

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 17:59 IST

Inter Miami will visit the White House on March 5 to mark their 2025 MLS Cup win, with Messi's attendance unclear. Donald Trump will host the team.

Inter Miami are set to visit the White House on Thursday, March 5, to mark their 2025 MLS Cup triumph, according to a White House official.

The official, who responded to a query from The Athletic on condition of anonymity, confirmed the visit but was not authorised to speak publicly. The trip is scheduled ahead of Miami’s match against D.C. United on Saturday, March 7.

A representative for Lionel Messi did not respond when asked whether the Argentine will attend. However, the Miami Herald reported that “everyone" on the team is expected to be present for the ceremony with U.S. President Donald Trump.

If Messi does attend, it would mark his first visit to the White House. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden in January 2025 — the highest civilian honour in the United States — but was unable to attend that ceremony.

Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House in November, attending a black-tie dinner on the same day President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Should Messi make the trip, Trump would have met the two defining footballers of their generation ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.

White House visits for championship-winning MLS teams are customary, mirroring long-standing traditions across American professional and college sports. The Columbus Crew were the most recent MLS side to attend in 2024. Miami co-owner David Beckham previously visited the White House with the LA Galaxy in 2012 after winning the 2011 MLS Cup.

The timing of Inter Miami’s visit comes amid broader discussion around sport and politics in Washington. The gold medal-winning U.S. hockey team’s recent White House appearance sparked debate about political associations, while President Trump is also expected to chair a panel on the future of college sports the following day.

On the pitch, Miami recently wrapped up international friendlies with a 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. They opened their MLS season with a loss to Los Angeles FC and face Orlando City next.

(with agency inputs)

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