On Thursday, the players of Inter Miami CF, led by Argentine Lionel Messi, visited President Donald Trump at the White House for a ceremony celebrating their MLS championship victory. During the event, Trump reminisced about watching Brazilian soccer legend Pelé play in the U.S. for the New York Cosmos, a visit that highlighted the long-standing relationship between soccer and American culture, especially since Pelé's influence in the 1970s.

As Messi and the team were welcomed into the White House, President Trump made a memorable entrance with the soccer star by his side. In his speech, Trump noted his experience watching Pelé, showing his attempt to connect the significance of the victory with historical moments in soccer history. However, not all went smoothly; during the meeting, Trump mistakenly referred to Uruguayan player Luis Suárez as a "Brazilian forward," which prompted an amused reaction from the player, highlighting a lighthearted moment amidst the ceremony.

This visit comes shortly after a previous meeting Trump had with another soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, in November 2025, illustrating the increasing interaction between U.S. politics and popular sports figures. Such events not only celebrate athletic achievements but also symbolize the cultural integration of soccer into American society, showcasing the sport's growing popularity and the administration's support for it.