Lionel Messi had options on the table when he opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023 following the expiry of his contract. United States President Donald Trump has now spoken about the Argentine’s move to Miami.
Donald Trump Thanks Lionel Messi for Picking Inter Miami
Barcelona was keen on re-signing Messi in the summer of 2023, while the Saudi Pro League clubs were also interested in the Argentine. However, the FIFA World Cup winner surprised fans worldwide by picking Inter Miami as his next club and announcing it in an interview with Spanish publications, Mundo Deportivo and SPORT.
Messi has been in scintillating form since joining the MLS side, guiding them to three trophies in just 2.5 years at the club. His move has also drawn more eyeballs to the league and made it more attractive to some of Europe’s top clubs’ players, such as Son Heung-min, Sergio Busquets, and Wilfried Zaha.
The Argentine was at the White House on Thursday, March 5, along with his Inter Miami teammates, after being invited by the president following their MLS Cup triumph last season. Trump thanked him for picking the United States as his destination, admitting that he could have gone anywhere and joking that he was not surprised because the weather was great in Miami.
“Leo is also the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world, chosen any team – but you chose Miami. I don’t blame you…the weather is pretty great. Thank you for coming to this country.”
Trump also congratulated Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano for winning the MLS Cup in his first season at the club. The trophy was also Messi’s 47th title in his career, and his third with the Florida-based club, following the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield in the previous seasons.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas was also with the squad at the White House and presented Donald Trump with a club jersey. They had Trump’s name printed on the back with the number 47, a reference to the 47th President of the United States.
Mas spoke to the media at the White House, boldly claiming that this would not be the club’s only visit. He has vowed to make the club successful for years to come, help them challenge the best teams in the world, and make the MLS one of the top leagues.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami players will remain in the capital this weekend as they face DC United next in the MLS.
