U.S President Donald Trump namedropped Cristiano Ronaldo as he spoke to Lionel Messi during a lengthy speech at the White House.
MLS Cup champions Inter Miami visited Trump on Thursday (March 5) to commemorate their historic 2025 title win, with Messi taking centre stage in front of teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Back in December, Javier Mascherano's side recorded a 3-1 win over Vancouver in the MLS Cup final as Messi, who was named the match's most valuable player, notched two assists.
It has become customary for professional and college sports champions in the United States to be congratulated by the President, who even mentioned Suarez being "one of the greatest strikers of all time".
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Messi also shook hands with Trump after he was introduced to those inside the Oval Office. “It’s my privilege to say what no other president has ever said before," said Trump. "Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi."
The President went on to mention that his son, Barron, was a big Messi fan along with Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He (Barron) is a big fan of yours," said Trump. "He thinks you're just a great person. He's a tremendous fan of yours, as well as a gentleman named Ronaldo... Cristiano is great. Some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport."
On numerous occasions in the past, Trump has recounted his first memories of watching then-New York Cosmos striker Pele. Naturally, he brought up the Brazilian again and even sparked a debate.
“I don’t know, you may be better. Who’s better?” Trump said as he turned around to ask the Inter Miami squad. “I think he is,” he added, pointing to Messi.
You can watch Messi's reaction to Trump's speech below.
Back in November, Trump hosted Ronaldo at the White House, just a week after the Al Nassr forward revealed what he would discuss with the President if they were to meet in person.
After revealing his wish to meet Trump during an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo confirmed his "main objective" would be to discuss world peace, as well as something "we have in common" – a comment he failed to elaborate on.
"If the world is at peace, that's our goal. He's one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that's my main objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace," he said.
"If you can make it happen, he's someone I'd really like to sit down with."
Ronaldo continued: "Here, in the United States - wherever it happens, I'd like to meet him. I know he's been to Saudi Arabia. I hope to sit down with him someday because he's one of those people I really like. I think he can make things happen, and I respect people like that."
"I hope the world finds a path to peace soon," Ronaldo added. "That's what I'm looking for. And someday, if I get the chance to sit down with him, I'll tell him what we have in common. But I'll keep it to myself until that moment."
Lionel Messi was forced to decline invitation from former US President Joe Biden
Back in January 2025, Messi declined an invitation from Joe Biden after being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He was unable to attend due to scheduling issues.
"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," a statement from Messi's management team said at the time.
"Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Donald Trump, Cristiano Ronaldo, Inter Miami, MLS
Jack Kenmare