The White House invites Inter Miami and Messi
Washington DC — Lionel Messi led Inter Miami’s visit to the White House after winning the MLS Cup, and the gifts presented to Donald Trump stole the spotlight: a special pink ball, a symbolic jersey, and an exclusive luxury watch worth thousands.
Although Messi was silent throughout, his appearance seemed to speak volumes for a player whose politics have largely been shrouded in mystery.
When Argentina, captained by Messi, won the World Cup in 2022, the team declined to go to then-President Alberto Fernández’s Casa Rosada, or Pink House. Argentina’s current president and Trump ally Javier Milei has vocally praised Messi, but has yet to secure a public appearance or even photo together. A year ago, Messi was invited by then-U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom but could not attend because of a scheduling conflict.
The pink ball Lionel Messi personally handed over
One of the most talked-about moments of the event came when Lionel Messi personally handed Donald Trump a special pink soccer ball.
This was no ordinary ball. It was a limited-edition piece inspired by Inter Miami’s iconic pink color, a tone that has become synonymous with the club since its worldwide surge in popularity following the arrival of the World Cup champion.
The ball features commemorative details highlighting the club’s recent achievements, particularly the MLS Cup title, making it a symbolic representation of the team’s new era.
Messi’s gesture, as the leader of the delegation during the visit, became one of the most photographed moments of the ceremony and further reinforces the Argentine icon’s role.
