Overview
- Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi were received at the White House, where President Trump formally welcomed Messi to the residence.
- In prepared remarks, Trump said the United States is "continuing to demolish" Iran and asserted that Tehran is now "without an air force, without defenses, without missiles."
- He extended the message to Cuba by predicting it would soon be possible for people to "return to Cuba," signaling support for regime change.
- Reporters noted visible discomfort among Inter Miami players, including Messi, before the group applauded the president’s comments.
- Coverage situates the event within deepening ties between Trump and FIFA figures, citing Gianni Infantino’s move to Trump Tower, Ronaldo’s prior visit linked to Mohammed bin Salman, and a U.S. strike in the region a week earlier.