Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were guests of US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.
Some Inter Miami players were at the White House to commemorate the club’s Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup triumph way back in December.
The MLS Cup victory was the 48th team trophy Messi has won throughout his illustrious career with national sides and his clubs.
Speaking during the meeting, Trump said Messi has the most number of trophies won by a footballer, adding that the Argentine “may be greater than Pele”.
“You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami. I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride.”
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pele play. I don’t know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good.”
The US President then described it as a “distinct privilege” to welcome Messi to the White House, which “no American president has ever had the chance to say before”.
Trump also hosted Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House in November 2025.
About the Author
