In a celebratory gathering at the White House, President Donald Trump honored Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates following their remarkable triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup. The gathering highlighted the growing influence of soccer in the United States, driven by stars like Messi and the legacy of icons such as Pele. Trump reminisced about Pele's time with the New York Cosmos, emphasizing how that era helped elevate the sport's profile in the country.

During the event, Messi, along with his coach Javier Mascherano and team co-owner Jorge Mas, presented Trump with a customized No. 47 jersey from Inter Miami, symbolizing his status as the 47th president of the United States. The president acknowledged the talents of Miami's key players, including Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and the promising Tadeo Allende, showcasing the diverse talents within the team and their contributions to soccer's popularity.

Trump's comments, which initially began with military matters in the Middle East, quickly transitioned to a celebration of soccer, reflecting both the sport's rise in American culture and the political landscape's intersection with sports. The event not only celebrated Inter Miami's achievement but also highlighted soccer’s development as a vital part of national pastimes, with Messi being a central figure in this transformation.