Donald Trump hosted Inter Miami at the White House to mark their MLS Cup win, using the occasion to laud Lionel Messi's perceived ability to translate individual talent into team victories. The former president repeatedly drew a distinction between players who achieve tangible success and those, he implied, who do not, despite significant financial backing.
The core of Trump's message centered on Messi's immediate impact and winning record with Inter Miami, contrasting it with what he characterized as other highly paid athletes who "don't win." Trump specifically referenced the team's championship campaign, stating, "You came in and you won," a phrase that recurred in his remarks. He also compared Messi to legendary Brazilian footballer Pele, at one point questioning who was superior, thereby elevating Messi to an almost mythical status within the sporting pantheon.
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Trump's remarks, delivered during a reception celebrating Inter Miami's first-ever league title, highlighted the pressure on star athletes, noting, "There's a lot more pressure put on you than anyone would know because you're sort of expected to win." He emphasized Messi's achievement: "This guy won." The team, including captain Messi, head coach Javier Mascherano, and co-owner Jorge Mas, presented Trump with team memorabilia, including a signature pink soccer ball, a jersey, and a watch.
Beyond the sporting accolades, Trump also briefly touched upon international affairs, including developments in the Middle East, before refocusing on Inter Miami's accomplishments and the expanding popularity of 'football' in the United States. His comments also included a running joke about the physical attractiveness of the Miami squad, even making a lighthearted remark about preferring "bad looking players."
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This event marked Messi's inaugural visit to the White House. It also positions Trump as having met two players considered the greatest of their era, following an earlier encounter with long-time Messi rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had attended a White House event in November of the same day Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The comparison to Pele, a player Trump remembers watching during his tenure with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, underscores a deep-seated association with football history for the former president.