Championship-winning teams from several sports in the United States are invited to the White House every year. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is the MLS side that will receive the honor this year, following its MLS Cup win in 2025.
White House To Host Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in March
Inter Miami defied the odds and won its third trophy since Messi joined in 2023. The club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in last season’s final, with its captain playing a key role.
A White House official told The Athletic that Inter Miami is scheduled to visit in March. The Florida-based side will visit on Thursday, March 5, just days before it faces D.C. United.
The report suggests it is unclear whether Messi will be part of the delegation, as his representatives and the MLS club declined to confirm. The Athletic said:
“A representative of Lionel Messi did not respond when asked whether the Argentina international will join, but the trip has been scheduled ahead of the team’s game against D.C. United on Saturday, March 7. Inter Miami did not respond to a request for comment.”
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Inter Miami CF are set to visit the White House on March 5 to celebrate their MLS Cup triumph. 🩷🇺🇸
If Lionel Messi attends, it would mark his first-ever visit to the White House, per The Athletic. 🤝✨ pic.twitter.com/12XZ1G2lWE
— 90Minutes Gist (@90MiuntesGist) February 28, 2026
Messi was invited by U.S. President Joe Biden in January 2025, but the Inter Miami captain did not attend. He was one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, last year. The Argentine was unable to collect it in person due to prior commitments and sent a letter to the White House.
Inter Miami acknowledged the award, saying it was given to the club captain for his healthcare and education programs through his Leo Messi Foundation, as well as for his continued work as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is expected to be part of the delegation visiting the White House. He attended a similar event in 2012 after winning the MLS Cup in 2011 with the LA Galaxy.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi Caught in Chaotic Pitch Invasion During Inter Miami Friendly
U.S. President Donald Trump recently hosted Messi’s longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr superstar was joined by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a dinner at the Oval Office. The visit also saw Trump post an AI video of him and Ronaldo playing football in his office.
Inter Miami will become the first MLS side to visit Donald Trump at the White House across his two terms in office.
