Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and 2025 Major League Soccer Cup champions Inter Miami to the White House on Thursday, saying he only realized Messi was attending after his son told him. The ceremony combined recognition of the team’s achievement with Trump’s comments on the United States’ operation in Iran.
White House ceremony and remarks on Iran
Trump celebrated Inter Miami in an event that mixed sports recognition with references to military activity, as he spoke about the United States’ ongoing operation in Iran. “The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before,” Trump said as Messi stood next to him.
Trump’s introduction of Messi
Turning to the sport, Trump referred to “soccer-slash-football” and welcomed Messi to the White House. “It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before, welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” he said.
Trump says he was unaware Messi was coming
Trump said Messi’s visit “snuck up” on him, citing the White House focus on the Iran operation since Saturday. He said he realized the event was scheduled only after his son pointed it out, adding, “I got a lot of things going on.”
Praise for Inter Miami and football figures
With a World Cup approaching in the United States, Trump praised Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano and mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele. He praised Messi and the Miami team in particular, saying, “Leo is the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose to go to Miami. I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good.”
Comments on the team’s victory and players
Trump gave the East Room audience a play-by-play account of the team’s victory and commented on the appearance of the players lined up behind him, calling them “good-looking” men.
What do you think about the White House combining a sports celebration with remarks on an ongoing military operation?