‘My son’s a big fan’: Trump greets Lionel Messi during Inter Miami visit to White House
President Trump: “Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi … My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said, ‘No.’ I got a lot of things going on. He said, ‘Messi.’ … He’s a big fan. He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re just a great person, and I… pic.twitter.com/w9bQLa5n3y
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) March 5, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Lionel Messi received a warm welcome at the White House as Donald Trump honored Inter Miami CF for their 2025 MLS Cup victory on March 5. The ceremony in the East Room turned into a lighthearted moment when the president revealed that his son Barron is a huge admirer of the Argentine soccer legend.
Trump shared a personal anecdote about Barron’s excitement ahead of the event, saying his son had eagerly informed him that Messi would be present at the White House celebration. The president joked about being reminded of the football icon amid his busy schedule.
Trump reveals Barron’s Messi admiration
During the ceremony, Trump said his son had enthusiastically alerted him about Messi’s appearance at the White House. “My son said Dad, ‘you know who’s going to be there today?’ I said ‘no, I got a lot of things going on today,’” Trump joked.
“He said ‘Messi!’ He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re just a great person. And I think you got to meet a little while ago. So he’s a big soccer fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours. And a gentleman named Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You’re great.”
Messi, who does not speak English, smiled as Trump spoke in his direction during the event honoring Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph.
Trump also said Barron had been thrilled about the Argentine star’s arrival at the White House.
Trump welcomes Lionel Messi at White House ceremony
Trump formally introduced Messi during the ceremony after Inter Miami players and coaches gathered in the East Room to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup victory. “It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” Trump said.
Messi entered the room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas after his teammates had assembled for the ceremony.
Trump also mentioned Brazilian legend Pelé, recalling that he watched him play for the New York Cosmos and praising his impact on soccer in the United States. The president asked the audience who they believed was the better player between Pelé and Messi. The crowd responded in favor of the Argentine star, prompting a smile from Messi.
Messi captained the Argentina national football team to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating the France national football team in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The 38-year-old has also won two Copa América titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and eight Ballon d'Or awards. With Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory, Messi added another major title to his decorated career as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada later in the year.
