Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to Visit President Trump at White House
Superstar footballer Lionel Messi is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House alongside his Inter Miami teammates on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The visit is part of a ceremony to commemorate Inter Miami's 2025 MLS Cup title, with the team traveling to Washington D.C. early Thursday for the event.
Historic White House Visit Details
The White House has confirmed Messi's visit, and a club spokesman stated that the entire first team is expected to be at the White House from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET, with a formal ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. This marks a significant milestone as Inter Miami will be the first MLS champion to visit President Trump during both of his terms as U.S. President.
For Messi, this will be his first visit to the White House, adding to his illustrious career achievements, which include being a two-time MLS MVP, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and reigning Argentine World Cup champion. Notably, Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in January 2025, but he could not attend the event due to scheduling conflicts during Inter Miami's brief offseason.
Context and Upcoming Match
The White House visit precedes Inter Miami's third match of the 2026 MLS regular season, where they are scheduled to face D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. This event highlights the growing prominence of Major League Soccer and its integration into American cultural and political spheres.
The ceremony is expected to draw significant media attention, reflecting Messi's global influence and the historic nature of this visit for both the sport and the presidency. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this interaction unfolds, given the high-profile status of all parties involved.
