Donald Trump recently met Lionel Messi and Inter Miami players at the White House following the club’s MLS Cup triumph.
The event saw the US president recognise Messi and his teammates after their successful season in Major League Soccer, with several figures from the club attending the ceremony.
During the occasion, Trump also touched on one of football’s most debated topics, the comparison between the Argentine star and Brazilian legend Pele.
Donald Trump compares Lionel Messi and Pele after White House meeting
While speaking about Messi during the event, Trump reflected on watching Pele play during the Brazilian icon’s time in the United States.
Pele famously played for the New York Cosmos in the NASL between 1975 and 1977, helping raise the profile of football in the country.
President Trump said: “I shouldn’t say this because you’ll say I’m old, but I watched Pele play. He played for the Cosmos, you know that? Steve Ross was a great friend.
“I don’t know how many people remember Steve. He was a legendary businessman. He really started cable and cable TV.
“He was way ahead of time and he started the Cosmos team and he wanted to get some good players. So he started with Pelé.
“ I don’t know, you may be better than Pele. Pele was pretty good. Who’s better? Him [Messi] or Pele? That’s him. I agree. I think he is. But Pele was pretty good, right?” he concluded.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami honoured at the White House
Messi attended the White House alongside several Inter Miami teammates after their 2025 MLS Cup victory.
The ceremony recognised the club’s success during the season and highlighted Messi’s influence since arriving in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine forward has helped transform the club’s profile globally, drawing significant attention to MLS.
According to SofaScore, he ended the 2025 season with 43 goals and 25 assists in 49 appearances for Inter Miami.
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