Inter Miami is set to visit the White House in March to mark its 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup victory, with Lionel Messi expected to attend the ceremony alongside United States President Donald Trump, according to US media reports.
The Inter Miami White House visit is scheduled to take place two days before the club faces DC United in Washington on 7 March, the Miami Herald reported, citing a team source who said all players are expected to attend.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward and Inter Miami captain, is anticipated to be part of the delegation. Messi, 38, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former president Joe Biden in January 2025, the highest civilian honour in the United States, although he did not attend that ceremony.
The White House visit underscores growing political engagement with football in the United States ahead of major international tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host. President Donald Trump has met FIFA President Gianni Infantino multiple times in recent months, reflecting heightened cooperation between US political leadership and global football authorities.
Donald Trump participated in the trophy presentation during the Club World Cup held in the United States last year and appeared on stage during the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup. At that event, Gianni Infantino presented the president with FIFA’s first peace prize.
Inter Miami secured the 2025 MLS Cup, marking a significant milestone for the Florida-based club. The team recently concluded a series of international friendlies, including a 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
The club began its MLS campaign with a defeat to Los Angeles FC last weekend and is scheduled to face Orlando City on Sunday before travelling to Washington.
The White House ceremony will symbolise federal recognition of Inter Miami’s championship achievement and highlights football’s expanding influence in US sporting and political spheres.
