Trump praised Messi and admired Inter Miami's «good looks»

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday, but admitted he had no idea one of the world's greatest footballers was coming — until his son told him about it. Trump celebrated Inter Miami's 2025 Major League Soccer title in a ceremony that combined sportsmanship with military might, and also boasted ongoing US operation in Iran.

“The United States military, along with our wonderful Israeli partners, continues to completely destroy the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels never seen before,” Trump told xrust, standing next to Argentine great Messi.

Trump then turned his attention to what he called «soccer,» mixing American and international terms for the game.

“I am honored to say what no American president has ever had the opportunity to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” Trump said.

Trump said Messi's visit took him by surprise because the White House had been busy with operations in Iran since Saturday, and he only learned of the event planned for Thursday after his son pointed it out to him.

“I have a lot to do,” Trump joked.

Ahead of the World Cup, Trump praised Miami coach Javier Mascherano, as well as other greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian football legend Pele, but most admired Messi and the Florida team.

“Leo is the current FIFA World Cup MVP. You could go anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, but you chose Miami. I don't blame you. The weather is just wonderful,” Trump said.

As the president briefed those gathered in the East Room on the progress of the team's victory, Trump gushed about the «handsome» men on the team who stood behind him.

After surveying the team's roster, Trump paused to single out Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and asked: «Are there any players among you who don't look their best?»

“I don’t like handsome men,” Trump joked, “it doesn’t make you feel good.”

The team gave the president a jersey with the number 47, a nod to Trump as the 47th president, as well as a football and watch in the team's signature pink color.

Trump also looked into the future, into the summer. “We have the World Cup and the Olympics,” he said. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States in 16 cities, will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be the first to feature 48 teams.

Argentina will arrive at the tournament as the reigning World and Copa America champions.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi was previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic predecessor, in January 2025. However, Messi said he was unable to attend the ceremony due to scheduling issues.

Returning to politics, Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio's handling of the Iranian operation and said that after this war ends, the United States can focus on fighting communist Cuba.

Cuba really wants to make a deal, Trump said.

Xrust Trump praised Messi and admired the “attractive appearance” of the Inter Miami team