Trump Unaware of Messi's White House Visit

On March 5, the White House welcomed one of the globe's most celebrated athletes, a visit that took President Donald Trump by surprise.

“My son said, ‘Dad, do you know who’s going to be there today?’” Trump recounted. “I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi.’”

Trump elaborated on his son's admiration for Messi, stating, “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.”

The occasion honored Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates for clinching the MLS Cup in December 2025.

In a somewhat awkward moment, Trump mentioned his 19-year-old son again, noting Barron’s support for “a gentleman named Ronaldo.”

“Cristiano is great,” Trump remarked. “You’re great.”

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, both icons in the sports world, has captivated fans for years.

During the ceremony, Trump specifically acknowledged Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023.

“We’re honoring truly talented people,” he stated. “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 continued, “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do. Very, very unusual and frankly, there’s a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know, because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins.”

As part of the celebration, Messi gifted Trump a pink Inter Miami soccer ball. The president also received an Inter Miami jersey and a special watch from head coach Javier Mascherano.

“You could have gone anywhere in the world,” Trump told Messi. “You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose to go to Miami. I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good.”

Trump then brought up the Trump National Doral Golf Club, which he owns in Miami.

“Do you go to Doral? You go to Doral and play golf?” he asked. “I just want to thank you for bringing us all on this ride because you are hot and talented and a great person.”

Trump appeared to struggle with the attractiveness of many players present.

“Do you have any bad-looking players?” he quipped while surveying the room. “I like the bad-looking players much better.”