President Donald Trump: 'Lionel Messi is greater than Pelé'

Inter Miami participated in the welcoming ceremony at the White House on Thursday to mark the historic first MLS Cup title in the club's history, as skipper Lionel Messi handed a gift directly to President Donald Trump.

Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, before presenting the president with a signature pink Miami soccer ball. Trump also received an Inter Miami jersey and a watch from Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano.

This was Messi's first visit to the White House since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. The event took place after another football legend, also a long-time rival of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo attended a dinner here back in November of last year.

During the ceremony, Trump also recounted how he once watched Brazilian legend Pelé play for the New York Cosmos. He turned to Messi and said: "Messi is greater than Pelé. I don't know, maybe you're better."

"Who is better?", Trump asked as he turned toward the players. Then, the U.S. President smiled and added: "I think it's him", while pointing toward Messi.

Trump also added, with the entire Inter Miami squad behind him: “We are honoring truly talented people. It is a special honor for me to be able to say what no other U.S. president has ever had the chance to say before: ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.’

My son asked: ‘Dad, do you know who's coming here today?’ I said: ‘No, I'm very busy.’ He said: ‘Messi.’

He is a huge fan of yours. He thinks you are a wonderful person. I believe you two met briefly before. He is crazy about soccer and is a big fan of yours. And there's also someone named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You are great too.”

Inter Miami won the MLS Cup 2025 championship on December 6th after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in Fort Lauderdale. The Argentine superstar was also voted the league's MVP for two consecutive seasons.

The MLS Cup title also marks the rapid rise of Inter Miami, a club also co-owned by David Beckham, since it began playing in MLS in 2020. Mas said: “This title is fully deserved. The players performed brilliantly, and behind us is one of the best clubs in the world. All of this became reality because we dared to dream.”