Global Icon Meets the Oval Office: President Trump Honors Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House

The ceremony also included references to Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Trump mentioned that Ronaldo had visited the White House the previous year, describing both players as "brilliant" and "great athletes." As the President name-dropped the Portuguese star, cameras captured Messi smiling politely, a reaction that quickly went viral on social media. This acknowledgment of both titans of the sport served to highlight the unique era of soccer excellence that Trump was celebrating.