"We're honoring truly talented people. 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. My son said, 'Dad, do you know who's going to be there today?' I said, 'No, I got a lot of things going on.' He said, 'Messi.' He's a big fan of yours."
"Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and later handed the president a signature Miami pink soccer ball. Trump also received a Miami jersey and watch from Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano. It was the first White House visit for Messi, who joined Miami in July 2023."
"The event follows the long-standing tradition in American sport of commemorating a championship with a White House reception. D.C. United stands as the first MLS team to attend the White House in 1998 following its Cup triumph, while the LA Galaxy visited on multiple occasions by winning in 2011, 2012 and 2014."
Inter Miami attended a White House reception to celebrate winning the MLS Cup for the first time in club history. Captain Lionel Messi presented President Donald Trump with a signature Miami pink soccer ball, while co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gave Trump a Miami jersey and watch. Trump honored the team and praised Messi as a great person and athlete, mentioning his son's admiration for the player. Trump also referenced Cristiano Ronaldo, noting both are great athletes. The team was subsequently invited to the Oval Office. This visit follows the American sports tradition of White House receptions for championship teams, with D.C. United being the first MLS team to visit in 1998.
#inter-miami-mls-cup-championship #lionel-messi-white-house-visit #presidential-reception #soccermls #sports-tradition
Read at ESPN.com
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