Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami set for special visit to the White House to commemorate MLS Cup triumph: Reports

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are reportedly set to pay a visit to the White House after their emergence as the 2025 MLS Cup winners. The Herons defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in December to claim a maiden MLS Cup title, becoming the latest team to do so.

The Athletic reports that Messi and co will soon be the guests of US President Donald Trump, continuing the tradition of the last few years. The MLS Cup winners usually visit the White House, with Columbus Crew the last team to do it after their 2024 triumph.

Lionel Messi will emulate long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in visiting the White House as a global superstar, with the Al-Nassr man having been there last November. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been invited in the past but could not make it to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-president Joe Biden in January 2025.

Inter Miami will make a stop at the White House on March 5th, attending a ceremony to be held in their honour. They will face MLS rivals D.C United in a league clash in Washington two days later, concluding their itinerary for the visit.

US President Trump has been actively involved in football-related events, more so than any of his recent predecessors. He was at the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer and received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the draws for the FIFA World Cup last year.

Earlier this month, Trump extended an invitation to Cristiano Ronaldo, who he hailed as the GOAT, to come to the USA. It remains to be seen what kind of reception Messi, Ronaldo’s greatest rival, gets from the president.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami receive confirmation of CONCACAF Champions Cup clash

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are set to commence their 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign against familiar opposition. The reigning MLS champions were drawn against Nashville SC in the Round of 16 of the competition.

Nashville overcame Canadian outfit Atletico Ottawa by a 7-0 aggregate scoreline to join Inter Miami at the last-16 stage. The teams will lock horns at the GEODIS Park on March 11th in the first leg before facing off at the Chase Stadium for the second leg seven days later.

Lionel Messi and his teammates fell short at the semi-final stage of the competition in 2025, losing to the Vancouver Whitecaps by a 5-1 aggregate scoreline. Javier Mascherano‘s side have set their sights on the trophy this year after recruiting extensively in the winter.