Trump praises Inter Miami players’ looks at WH event: 'Do you have any bad looking players?'
PRESIDENT TRUMP jokes as he hosts the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup champions Inter Miami CF at the White House: “These are good looking people. Marco, I don't like good looking men.” pic.twitter.com/k6wsrvK9SD
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 5, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump mixed praise with humor while honoring Inter Miami CF’s 2025 MLS Cup triumph at the White House on Monday, March 5, joking about the team’s players and singling out several stars during the ceremony.
The event in the East Room celebrated Inter Miami’s historic season, with Lionel Messi and his teammates attending alongside club officials. Trump welcomed the squad after they entered the room and used the moment to reflect on the team’s achievements and the impact of the Argentine superstar since joining Major League Soccer.
Trump jokes about Inter Miami players’ looks
Trump drew laughter from those in attendance after joking about the good looks of several Inter Miami players, including Uruguayan star Luis Suarez, Argentine World Cup champion Rodrigo De Paul, and Argentine forward Tadeo Allende.
“What a group of people. We could have a lot of fun with these guys. You can imagine how they celebrate,” Trump said.
The president later mentioned De Paul’s goal during the MLS Cup before asking about his whereabouts.
“Where the hell is Rodrigo?” Trump said.
De Paul approached to shake Trump’s hand. “Do you have any bad-looking players? I like the bad-looking players much better,” Trump joked.
Trump praises Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami
Trump later turned to prepared remarks highlighting Inter Miami’s achievements during the 2025 season, including what he described as the first victory by a North American club over a European team during the FIFA Club World Cup and the team’s eventual playoff run to the MLS Cup title.
The president also praised Lionel Messi’s success since joining the club and noted the pressure that surrounded his arrival.
“This guy won. There was tremendous fanfare, and he won,” Trump said of Messi. “Leo, you came in and won. It’s hard to do. … You came in and won with all that pressure.”
White House honors Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory
Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas after his teammates and coaches had gathered for the ceremony honoring their championship season.
During the event, Trump also recalled watching Brazilian soccer legend Pele play for the New York Cosmos and praised the global influence of the sport in the United States.
Messi, who does not speak English, smiled as the president addressed him and the team during the celebration.
The Argentine captain is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history. He led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating France 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. Inter Miami’s MLS Cup victory added another milestone to Messi’s decorated career as he prepares to compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada later this year.
