Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were welcomed to the White House by President Donald Trump as the Argentine icon got caught in the middle of some awkward moments.
Messi visits the White House with his Inter Miami teammates (Image: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi was caught in the middle of Donald Trump’s inexplicable rant after being entertained at the White House. The Argentine superstar joined up with his Inter Miami teammates at the home of American politics on Thursday after winning last season’s MLS Cup.
President Donald Trump was the moderator and, as expected, provided the latest information on the Middle East conflict in his own unique way. “The U.S. military, along with our incredible Israeli partners, continues to completely destroy our enemy at a level people have never seen before. We are destroying Iranian missiles,” Trump said, with Messi standing right behind him.
He added: “They’re tough and they want to fight. And they’re calling and saying, ‘How do we get a deal done?'” And I’m like, “You’re a little late.” “We want to fight more than they do,” he said before adding, “We’re doing a great job. We have the strongest army anyone has ever seen.”
While President Trump moved on, Messi was embroiled in another awkward moment after bringing up the forward’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“We’re thrilled to host Inter Miami, the 2025 MLS Cup champions. It’s a great job. No U.S. president has ever had the opportunity to say, ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.'”
“My son said, “You know who’s coming today, Dad.” I said, “There’s a lot going on right now!” My son said, “Messi!” He’s your big fan. I have to meet him. This is a gentleman named Ronaldo who is your biggest fan. ”
President Trump added: “Cristiano is great and you are great too. There are so many great champions and athletes in your sport. It’s an honor for the White House to honor you today.”
Messi presents President Trump with a gift at the White House (Image: Getty Images)
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The awkward moments didn’t end there, with President Trump also publicly questioning whether he was better than the legendary Pele. He said: “Leo has won his 47th trophy in his amazing career, the most ever.
“I could have gone anywhere in the world, with any team, but I chose Miami. I just want to thank you for taking us all on this journey.”
“I shouldn’t say this because I’m older, but I watched Pele play. I don’t know, you might be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good.”
Messi wasn’t the only internationally recognized star in attendance. He was joined by teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrygo de Paul. President Trump was present next to the podium with the MLS Cup and a shirt that read “Trump 47,” and Messi presented the president with a pink ball with his autograph on it.
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