The Athletic, a reputable British newspaper, citing unnamed White House sources, revealed the plan. Messi's representatives have not yet responded regarding the Argentine superstar's participation. The visit is scheduled for 5/3, just before Inter Miami's match against D.C. United on 7/3. Inter Miami also declined to comment on the event.

If Messi attends, it would be his first visit to the White House. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was previously invited by former President Joe Biden to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1/2025 but was unable to attend.

Lionel Messi lifts the MLS Cup 2025 after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final at Chase Stadium on 6/12/2025. Photo: Reuters

Last November, Cristiano Ronaldo attended a formal dinner at the White House on the same day President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the Oval Office. Messi's visit means President Trump will have met both football superstars considered the best of their generation ahead of this summer's World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

Inviting MLS Cup champions to the White House is a long-standing tradition for professional and college sports in the US. The Columbus Crew was the most recent Major League Soccer (MLS) team to participate in this ceremony in 2024. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also visited the White House in 2012 while playing for the LA Galaxy, following their MLS Cup 2011 championship.

News of Inter Miami's visit comes amid ongoing controversy following the US hockey team's visit to Washington earlier this week. The team, recent gold medalists at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, sparked concerns about the "politicization" of their Olympic victory and the team's perceived ties to President Trump. Furthermore, Inter Miami's visit is scheduled just before a conference on the future of college sports, which the 79-year-old President is set to host the next day.

Inter Miami secured the MLS Cup 2025 last November by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. This marked the pink-clad team's first MLS Cup title since joining the league in 2020. Messi, currently 38, joined the club in summer 2023 and has extended his contract until 2028.