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Trump Welcomes Messi and Inter Miami to the White House

The high-profile reception cast U.S. club soccer’s momentum in the spotlight ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Overview

  • The president praised Inter Miami’s 2025 triumphs, telling Lionel Messi he might be better than Pelé.
  • Players presented a pink jersey bearing the number 47 in reference to Trump as the 47th U.S. president.
  • Trump shifted to geopolitics, referencing the Middle East and saying U.S. forces with Israeli partners are destroying Iranian missiles, a remark widely noted for its abrupt pivot.
  • AFP reports Inter Miami’s Club World Cup win over FC Porto was described as the first official competition victory by a North American club against a European team.
  • Team owner Jorge Mas credited Messi and his teammates with changing U.S. soccer culture as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 tournament with Canada and Mexico.