Inter Miami CF, led by global soccer icon Lionel Messi, is preparing for a historic visit to the White House to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup championship. The team is expected to attend the ceremony on March 5, 2026, to commemorate their groundbreaking victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, where they triumphed 3-1 in the MLS Cup final on December 6, 2025. This marks the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title since its inception in 2020.
White House Tradition for Championship Teams
It has become a tradition for sports champions in the U.S. to visit the White House following their title wins, and now, Inter Miami will be part of this esteemed list. The visit follows similar ceremonies for other MLS teams, including the Columbus Crew in 2024.
Reports suggest that the entire Inter Miami squad, including Messi, is expected to attend the event, with the timing coinciding with their upcoming MLS match against D.C. United in Washington, D.C., on March 7, ensuring a memorable celebration before resuming their season.
Messi’s Key Role and Historic Moment
Lionel Messi, now 38, has been pivotal in Inter Miami’s success, contributing significantly to their rise in the MLS since his arrival in 2023. If Messi attends, this would be his first visit to the White House, even though he was previously invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 2025, a ceremony he missed due to scheduling conflicts.
Inter Miami co owner David Beckham has visited the White House before, having made the trip in 2012 after his own MLS Cup win with the LA Galaxy.
Political Context and Soccer’s Growing Influence
This visit also highlights the increasing connection between U.S. politics and soccer. President Trump has shown more interest in the sport during his tenure, meeting with FIFA representatives and hosting figures like Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House in 2025.
Although Messi’s attendance hasn’t been officially confirmed, his potential appearance would be significant, especially as the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms, with the U.S., Mexico, and Canada set to co-host the tournament.
This visit would not only celebrate Inter Miami’s achievement but also reflect the growing impact of soccer in the U.S. as the country prepares to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events.