‘Messi may be better than Pele’ — Trump hosts Inter Miami at White House

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were hosted at the White House by Donald Trump, president of the United States, on Thursday.

Some players from the Major League Soccer side visited the presidential residence to celebrate the club’s Major League Soccer Cup victory recorded in December.

The title marked the 48th team trophy of Messi’s career, spanning both club and international competitions.

Speaking during the reception, Trump praised the Argentine forward, noting that he holds the record for the most trophies won by any footballer and suggesting he could rank above Brazilian legend Pelé.

Trump said Messi had the opportunity to join any team in the world but chose Inter Miami, adding that his presence has been a remarkable journey for the club and its supporters.

“I shouldn’t say this because I’m old, but I watched Pelé play. I don’t know, you may be better than Pelé. Pelé was pretty good,” the US president said during the event.

Trump also described it as a rare honour to welcome Messi to the White House, noting that no American president had previously hosted the Argentine star in such a capacity.

The president had earlier welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House in November 2025.

More photos from the visit were also shared following the event.