The Digest:
President Donald Trump hosted Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates at the White House on Thursday to commemorate the club's Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup triumph last December. During the meeting, Trump praised Messi's unparalleled trophy haul, the 48th team trophy of his illustrious career, and made a bold comparison to the legendary Pele. "I watched Pele play. I don't know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good," Trump remarked. The US President described it as a "distinct privilege" to welcome Messi to the White House, noting that "no American president has ever had the chance to say before." Trump also thanked Messi for choosing Miami, stating, "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." The visit follows Trump's hosting of Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House in November 2025.
Key Points
- Trump's "better than Pele" comment adds to the GOAT debate in football.
- The visit recognizes Inter Miami's MLS Cup victory, Messi's 48th team trophy.
- Trump's acknowledgment of Messi's global choice to play in Miami highlights MLS's growing stature.
- The event marks the first time a US president has hosted Messi at the White House.
- Following Ronaldo's visit, Trump continues to engage with football's biggest stars.
Sources: White House
