Lionel Messi just added another memorable moment to his legendary career. The Inter Miami superstar and his teammates were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for winning last year's MLS Cup championship.
Miami beat the Vancouver Whitecaps in December to claim the Major League Soccer title. Messi also picked up his second consecutive MLS MVP award, proving that even at 38 years old, he's still the best player on the pitch.
Trump had some high praise for the Argentinian legend during the ceremony. "Leo, you came in and you won, and that's something very hard to do," Trump said. "There's a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you're sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins."
Messi entered the ceremony alongside Trump but kept things quiet and didn't speak during the event. Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and Rodrigo De Paul were among the other Inter Miami stars in attendance.
What This Means for MLS
Inter Miami became the first MLS team to receive a White House invitation during Trump's two terms in office. That's a big deal for the league and shows how much impact Messi's arrival has had on American soccer.
Team owner Jorge Mas was bold in his assessment. "We've changed the culture of football in the United States of America forever," he said. "We can play with the big boys, we can play with the heavyweights."
For bettors who've been backing Inter Miami since Messi arrived in 2023, it's been a profitable ride. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has transformed Miami from struggling underdogs to championship favorites in most betting markets.
Looking Ahead to World Cup and Beyond
Messi isn't done yet. The 38-year-old is expected to suit up for Argentina again this summer when the World Cup kicks off on June 11. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, the World Cup faces some uncertainty. Recent geopolitical events, including the conflict with Iran, have created questions about the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play games at SoFi Stadium in California and in Seattle, but their participation is now in doubt.
This was actually Messi's first White House visit. He was invited by the Biden administration last year to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom but couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Inter Miami will stay in the Washington area to face D.C. United on Saturday. With Messi leading the way, they'll be heavy favorites in that matchup as they look to build on their championship success.
