Washington, March 6 (NationPress) In a historic event, US President Donald Trump welcomed the 2025 Major League Soccer champions, Inter Miami, to the White House, celebrating their remarkable season and honoring football icon Lionel Messi in a way no previous American leader had done.

“We are excited to host the 2025 MLS Cup Champions, Inter Miami today,” Trump expressed during the ceremony. “It is a unique honor to say what no American president has ever had the opportunity to say — welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.”

This gathering recognized Inter Miami’s championship achievements and their record-setting season in Major League Soccer. Trump congratulated the players, coaching staff, and club executives while emphasizing the team's global influence since Messi’s arrival.

He remarked that Messi’s triumph with Inter Miami is noteworthy because many international stars join US leagues with high hopes but often fail to secure championships.

“This guy won; he arrived amidst tremendous excitement, and he won,” Trump noted. “And, Leo, you came in and succeeded, which is quite a feat to accomplish.”

Trump acknowledged the pressures surrounding Messi’s transfer to the club, commending the Argentine star for meeting the lofty expectations.

“There's much more pressure on you than people realize because, you know, there's an expectation to win, yet almost nobody manages to do that,” he added.

The President also pointed out the club’s on-field successes during the season, including scoring records and a significant international victory.

“Upon returning to the MLS, Inter Miami capitalized on that extraordinary momentum, playing a record number of matches and netting a total of 101 goals, the highest in MLS history,” he stated.

Trump highlighted the club’s victory over European teams in the FIFA Club World Cup as a pivotal moment for North American soccer.

“In that instance, you achieved a truly groundbreaking victory for Inter Miami, becoming the first North American club to defeat a European club in an official competition,” he remarked.

During the ceremony, Trump also acknowledged Messi’s personal achievements, citing the forward’s impressive scoring record and leadership qualities.

“With 29 goals in the regular season alone, Leo earned the Golden Boot, becoming the first player ever to be named league MVP consecutively,” he said.

The President described Messi as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.

“Leo secured the 47th trophy of his illustrious career,” Trump stated. “47 trophies, can you believe that? The most ever.”

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas expressed gratitude to the President for the recognition and reflected on the club's rapid ascent since its inception.

Mas noted that the team was founded on aspirations and a dedication to fostering a winning culture within American soccer.

“Seven years ago, Inter Miami was just a concept and a dream,” he remarked. “In the last two and a half years since his arrival, we have embarked on an extraordinary journey filled with records, trophies, and victories.”

He also emphasized the club’s increasing impact within the global football arena.

“Inter Miami is now one of the world’s most prominent clubs,” Mas stated. “These individuals behind you have transformed the landscape of soccer in the United States permanently.”

The ceremony wrapped up with Trump inviting the players and officials to the Oval Office.

“I’d like to invite the team to the Oval Office, a very, very special place,” Trump concluded.

Major League Soccer has seen a surge in popularity across the United States in the last two decades, fueled by increasing attendance, international broadcasting agreements, and the arrival of global stars like Messi. The league has effectively positioned itself as a competitive destination for international talent.