Inter Miami will travel to Washington, D.C., in March to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup championship with a ceremony at the White House, where Lionel Messi is anticipated to be present. This occasion, reported by the Miami Herald, will have the entire Inter Miami team attending a gathering with former President Donald Trump.
The visit is scheduled just two days before Inter Miami faces DC United on March 7 in the U.S. capital. Messi, 38, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in January 2025, though he did not attend the award event at the White House.
Former President Trump’s Increasing Involvement with Soccer
Donald Trump’s interest in soccer has notably risen recently, demonstrated through several meetings with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House. Last year, Trump participated in the trophy presentation during the Club World Cup held in the United States and appeared on stage at the 2026 World Cup draw.
During the draw event, Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, further highlighting the former president’s growing association with the sport. This connection reflects the expanding popularity of soccer across North America in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Inter Miami’s Recent Performances and Upcoming Matches
Inter Miami recently concluded their international friendly matches with a 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Despite this victory, the team lost their MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC last weekend. Their next challenge will be against Orlando City on Sunday, as they aim to build momentum early in the season.
The Broader Soccer Landscape in the United States
This White House visit forms part of a broader effort to promote soccer’s growth in the U.S., especially with major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing global attention. The involvement of high-profile figures like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Trump, and Infantino underscores the sport’s rising status in North America.
Fans and followers of football and other major sports can stay updated with live scores, tournament highlights, and expert commentary across various platforms as the season progresses.
