Global football legend Lionel Messi made a rare appearance at the White House on Thursday, joining Donald Trump during a ceremony celebrating Inter Miami CF’s championship victory.
Messi, widely known for avoiding political engagements, walked alongside the US president in an unusual public moment that provided Trump with a high-profile photo opportunity. The event honoured Inter Miami’s 2025 Major League Soccer title, continuing the long-standing tradition of championship teams being invited to the White House.
Presidents in the United States have hosted winning teams for decades, using the celebratory atmosphere to highlight national sporting success. However, Messi’s presence made the occasion particularly notable given his consistent reluctance to participate in political ceremonies.
Trump Welcomes Messi With Historic Remark
During the event, Trump highlighted the uniqueness of the moment as he welcomed the Argentine superstar.
“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,’” Trump said while addressing attendees.
The visit drew attention partly because Messi has previously declined similar invitations from political leaders.
Messi Previously Declined Biden’s Medal of Freedom Invitation
In January 2025, Messi had turned down an invitation from Joe Biden to receive the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing scheduling conflicts.
That decision fuelled speculation in sports media about whether he would attend the White House event this time. His eventual appearance alongside Trump therefore surprised many observers.
A History of Avoiding Political Leaders
Messi has historically kept his distance from political figures, even in his home country of Argentina.
After Argentina’s iconic triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup — considered the crowning moment of Messi’s career — the national team did not attend an official celebration hosted by then-president Alberto Fernández at the presidential palace.
The victory parade in Buenos Aires drew millions of fans and eventually became so chaotic that Messi and several teammates had to be airlifted away by helicopter.
Argentine Political Tensions Surround Messi’s Circle
Even current Argentine president Javier Milei, a political ally of Trump in Latin America, has struggled to secure a public photo with the football superstar.
Although Milei praised Messi during an event they both attended in Miami last November, the Argentine leader reportedly left without the coveted selfie that many politicians would eagerly pursue.
The political backdrop in Argentina remains tense. Milei has been publicly critical of Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, head of the Argentine Football Association and a long-time supporter of Messi.
Milei has proposed reforms to privatise Argentina’s football clubs — a move strongly opposed by the AFA. Meanwhile, Tapia is also facing a corruption investigation linked to a luxury property with a helipad outside Buenos Aires.
Messi has so far avoided commenting on the dispute.
Inter Miami’s Rise After Messi’s Arrival
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after an illustrious career in Europe that included record-breaking spells with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain.
Since moving to the United States, he has played a major role in boosting the profile of Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami secured the MLS championship in December 2025, roughly two and a half years after Messi’s arrival in the league.
Trump also acknowledged the pressures that come with such success during the ceremony.
“There’s a lot more pressure put on you because you’re sort of expected to win,” he said while addressing Messi.