Lionel Messi to meet Donald Trump

Lionel Messi is set to visit the White House for the very first time on Thursday to celebrate Inter Miami’s recent MLS Cup win

The soccer legend, who was forced to decline an invitation from ex-president Joe Biden in January 2025 after being awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom, will meet Donald Trump at the ceremony in Washington DC along with his Miami teammates, the Daily Mail can confirm.

Messi’s management team said at the time of his Biden snub: ‘Messi said he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive the recognition but would be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future.’

Miami are being honored by the president after winning their first ever MLS Cup last season, just eight years after being founded by an ownership group that includes David Beckham.

Their title defense is already underway, with Javier Mascherano’s champions suffering an opening 3-0 defeat to LAFC before earning a 4-2 win over Orlando City.

Messi is heading to the White House just months after great rival Cristiano Ronaldo also made the trip to meet Trump.