‘You may be better than Pele’: Donald Trump tells Lionel Messi at White House event, mentions Cristiano Ronaldo

Donald Trump received a signed Inter Miami ball from Lionel Messi. Co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gifted him a team jersey and a watch.

Published on: Mar 6, 2026, 08:55:57 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Lionel Messi was honoured by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, after winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami last year. In a lavish ceremony, Trump announced, "It's my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: ‘Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.'"

Lionel Messi present US President Donald Trump with a trophy. (Bloomberg)

Trump also revealed that his 19-year-old son Barron idolises the Argentine superstar. He also name-dropped Cristiano Ronaldo, who had visited the White House last year. "My son said, ‘Dad, you know who's going to be there today?' I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on today.'"

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo suffers hamstring injury, begins rehab with Al Nassr

"He said ‘Messi!' He's a big fan of yours. He thinks you're just a great person. And I think you got to meet a little while ago. So he's a big soccer fan, but he's a tremendous fan of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. You're great."

Showcasing his football knowledge, Trump also asked everyone who was better, Messi or Pele. "You may be better than Pele."

He asked, "Who's better?"

Even Luis Suarez was present in the White House. Among the attendees were MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who sat next to Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force. Retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez was also present. Inter Miami are the first MLS team to be invited to the White House during Trump's two tenures as president.

Praising the Inter Miami team, Trump also made Rodrigo De Paul blush by calling out his name. "Where the hell is Rodrigo?"

"Do you have any bad-looking players? I like the bad- looking players much better."

Trump also received a signed Inter Miami ball from Messi. Meanwhile, co-owner Jorge Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gifted him a team jersey and a watch.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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