Trump’s White House Spotlight: Messi, Ronaldo, and a Surprising Nod to Al Ahly
6 March 2026
In a White House ceremony honoring Inter Miami's 2025 MLS Cup victory, US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and the champions, praising the win and the season's standout performances.
The Argentine star was celebrated for a season that saw him earn the league's Player of the Year for the second straight season, guiding the club to its first league title since its founding in 2020.
The White House reception is a long-standing American sports tradition where champions are honored at a formal event attended by the President.
During the gathering, Trump weighed in on historic debates among football legends, expressing admiration for Messi and hinting he could surpass Brazilian icon Pelé.
Addressing Messi, Trump asked the room, "You might be better than Pelé—who's better?"
Praise for Messi and Ronaldo
Trump also praised Messi's longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting both players represent the pinnacle of world football.
He added, "Cristiano is great, and you are great too."
He recalled a funny moment with his son, who told him Messi would be present at the White House, saying: "My son asked me if I knew who would be here today. I said no, and he replied: Messi, a huge admirer."
Trump praises Al Ahly
He then highlighted Inter Miami's journey at last summer's Club World Cup, noting: "In June, Inter Miami faced some of the world’s best clubs. You drew with Al Ahly, the strongest team in Egypt, blessed with a remarkable squad and goalkeeper Ostari."
He continued: "Then you drew with Palmeiras, a top Brazilian club, thanks to a goal by one of football's great forwards, Luis Suárez, and you beat Porto with a Messi free kick that beat the keeper — a historic North American victory over a European side."
Read also:
Trump closes doors on dreams... World Cup 2026 isn't for everyone. (Link)
Read more: A sports bid that sparked strong reactions. (Link)
Video note: The clip related to the ceremony is available on YouTube.
Punchline 1: Messi's passes are so precise they could hit a moving target at 50 yards—Trump would call that a flawless shot at diplomacy.
Punchline 2: If football had a sniper, it would be Messi—one quiet touch, and the defense vanishes like a budget forecast after an election season.
