Inter Miami is set to visit the White House next Thursday to celebrate their MLS Cup victory, a White House official confirmed. This marks a significant recognition for the club, which secured its first MLS Cup title since joining Major League Soccer in 2020.
The timing of the visit precedes Inter Miami’s scheduled match against D.C. United on Saturday. While it remains unconfirmed if Lionel Messi will attend, the Argentina international’s presence would mark his first official visit to the White House.
Messi, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was invited to the White House in January but could not attend to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His potential appearance now would add to the history of prominent soccer players being honored in the nation’s capital.
Inter Miami’s success came in the 2025 MLS Cup final, where they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps. The win was a milestone for the club and raised their profile in the American soccer landscape, especially with Messi joining the team in summer 2023.
Historically, it is customary for MLS champions to be invited to the White House, reflecting a longstanding tradition across U.S. professional and collegiate sports. Columbus Crew appeared at the White House last year following their own MLS championship, maintaining this precedent.
Miami’s owner, David Beckham, has prior experience visiting the White House after securing the 2011 MLS Cup with LA Galaxy. His legacy continues as the club he now owns builds its own history through this milestone.
The announcement of Inter Miami’s visit comes in the wake of a controversial trip by the U.S. men’s hockey team, which sparked debate over political associations. This context heightens the significance of Miami’s White House visit amid ongoing discussions about sports and politics in the United States.
Cristiano Ronaldo previously attended a White House event during the Trump administration, making Messi’s anticipated visit notable as it would show the U.S. presidency hosting two of soccer’s biggest modern icons. This is particularly relevant with the upcoming FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The White House appearance not only honors Inter Miami’s championship but also showcases the growing stature and recognition of Major League Soccer domestically and internationally. The event contributes to broader conversations about soccer’s expanding footprint in the U.S.
Inter Miami’s invitation exemplifies MLS’s increasing prominence, supported by high-profile signings like Messi. It reaffirms how championship-winning teams continue to receive official acknowledgment from the highest levels of government.
If Messi attends, the visit will represent a landmark occasion both for the player and for U.S. soccer history. It symbolizes the growing cultural integration and appreciation of the sport in the United States.
Overall, Inter Miami’s upcoming White House visit highlights the intersection between sport, politics, and national pride, representing a celebrated moment for the club, its players, and its supporters.
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