Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi sparked plenty of criticism after he joined the Inter Miami squad for a White House visit and a meeting with United States President Donald Trump.

The encounter was part of the time-honored visit of U.S. championship-winning teams to the White House. The tradition, which dates back to 1865, is celebrated every year, with the championship winners of the biggest U.S. sports leagues and other events.

Inter Miami won their first-ever MLS Cup on December 6, 2025, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1. The win was very Argentine-inspired, as Messi delivered two assists to Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, securing the title for head coach Javier Mascherano’s team.

Trump called it his “distinct privilege” to welcome Messi for the first time to the White House, with whom he was highly complimentary.

“This guy came [to the MLS], and he won,” Trump added. “Many great players come here, they play okay, but they don’t win. But Leo, you came in, and you won. And you have a lot........

© Buenos Aires Herald