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.
Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, and fiancee Georgina Rodriguez were in attendance as the president hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at a glitzy black-tie dinner event in November.
The trio shared a laugh and a joke while taking a stroll together away from the dinner, before Cristiano and Georgina were invited into the Oval Office.
The five-time Champions League winner's interaction with Trump sparked a liberal meltdown on social media, with some of his long-time fans even turning on him.
Trump's planned meeting with Messi and his teammates on Thursday also comes ahead of this summer's World Cup in North America.
Eleven different host cities will host 78 games across the States this summer, with Canada and Mexico also co-hosting the tournament.
MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and Giants, will host eight matches this summer - including the final on July 19.
The World Cup is now less than 100 days away and the tournament has been plagued by controversy surrounding ticket prices, visa concerns and the relationship between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Truthishere
0
CR7 has raised the bar already, others can only follow
Like winning the world cup. Oh sorry World Cup Flopnaldo with 0 WC knockout goal. LOL!
Truthishere
0
That's Cristiano Ronaldo influence there again GGOAT ๐of ๐ ...Goat of Goat. CR7 won Ballon D'or, Messi followed & wins it, CR7 left La Liga, Messi follow & left La Liga, CR7 left outside Europe for SPL, Messi did the same to MLS. CR7 went to White House to meet Trump & others, Messi wants to go and see what CR7 prepared for other footballers to view/taste. CR7 always setting the pace and being examples for others to follow...now Messi is following suit to White House....we can call it...the C.Ronaldo effect and it's great and positive for one hallowed as GGOAT ๐of ๐
I was looking for world cup. Oh sorry! He doesn't even have a WC knockout goal. LOL!
Truthishere
0
Messi can't stop following in the Goat (CR7) steps... ๐ต๐น๐
0 world cup knockout goal steps I guess. LOL!
Kiniklnstz
2
me l am supporting Barcelona but i dont support or love messi,l support and love the only one GOAT CR7
Jabacnostu
1
Later some mumu will say Ronaldo is chasing Messi's records while Messi is the one chasing Ronaldo's record and that was why he could not retire well..... Ronaldo leads....Messi follows
Who was invited first? Besides, Cristiano was not invited, it is King of Saudi's invitation and Cristiano joins the team. So you are right, Cristiano always chases Messi's shadow!!!
Jabacnostu
0
cant even speak English
Who the hell told you that English is the sole official language in America? Spanish language is widely used in states like California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and New Mexico. While French also used in Louisiana state in law, education and government policy documents in America. Just because your country is colonized by British, doesn't mean everywhere speak English. Get this right man! In fact in those states, English speakers are minority. America is a diverse country and multilingual as well. Get this right man!
adedefender
0
I anticipate to see what Trump says about Messi after publicly calling Cristiano the GOAT
adedefender
0
I anticipate to see and hear what Trump says about Messi, after calling Ronaldo the GOAT publicly
natiksuyz
1
Later some mumu will say Ronaldo is chasing Messi's records while Messi is the one chasing Ronaldo's record and that was why he could not retire well..... Ronaldo leads....Messi follows
adedefender
3
Iran will strike and launch ballistic missiles during world cup matches on American soil
k52
0
Messi, if you have the guts just say that you are going to boycott the World Cup 2026 in his face.
k52
3
How could Messy mess his image by visiting an Epstein monster and satan of this world!?!?!?!? ๐
Zoaailmotz
0
those two are suckkksS..who's are their fans are suckkKs too...
bedcdepuz
0
One turns down invites, the other hangs behind an invitee.
cant even speak English to meet anyone ๐
bedcdepuz
0
cant even speak English
bamadiloty
3
Ronaldo is also going to meet the Prince of Dubai ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
ORUVAL3
0
Total lies...Messi and the supposed Biden visit...these guys are fake...lies and complete schemish...these are all made up stories...as CR7 is in front they though it could be better to lie as usual to honour their sheepgoat...big pomporompom...
ORUVAL3
0
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
hahahahaha ๐๐คฃ well said!!!
bonamoke
0
One turns down invites, the other hangs behind an invitee.
๐๐
Himbceilmp
0
don't forget that is younger than CR7
Wiwabeinru
0
is Trump asking Messi for permission to kill footballers in Asia ๐๐น
Lusabdekm
0
Do you understand English language at all?
twisted fool and English teacher watsup
faodilptz
0
One turns down invites, the other hangs behind an invitee.
so u mean Messi will not attend?
Jtikol10
1
Babies come later
bodbiorty
0
jealousy ๐
zakbeilmnu
2
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
Do you read there that they are going for English class?
zakbeilmnu
2
CR7 has raised the bar already, others can only follow
Do you understand English language at all?
Lusabdekm
3
CR7 has raised the bar already, others can only follow
Naokmptuz
0
That's Cristiano Ronaldo influence there again GGOAT ๐of ๐ ...Goat of Goat. CR7 won Ballon D'or, Messi followed & wins it, CR7 left La Liga, Messi follow & left La Liga, CR7 left outside Europe for SPL, Messi did the same to MLS. CR7 went to White House to meet Trump & others, Messi wants to go and see what CR7 prepared for other footballers to view/taste. CR7 always setting the pace and being examples for others to follow...now Messi is following suit to White House....we can call it...the C.Ronaldo effect and it's great and positive for one hallowed as GGOAT ๐of ๐
Dakato
0
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
is this the same brain you use to cross the road
Dakato
1
Messi can't stop following in the Goat (CR7) steps... ๐ต๐น๐
which steps are you talking about
Bacdimnpsy
1
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
u are just poor
Kiabdert
2
copy copy messi
Vedacdnouz
0
you are a big fool for calling Messi illiterate simply because he doesn't speak English. does speaking English makes one literate.
bro don't mind the fool he's a bastard child of his father
Tuebikmtuy
4
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
you are a big fool for calling Messi illiterate simply because he doesn't speak English. does speaking English makes one literate.
IdokoGodwin
0
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
Your father.
masibowalker
0
So Messi is behind the scenes if there is a WC then Ronaldo can win it and the debate will start again best solution: cancel WC โ Cancel Portugal team โ Cancel the world โ
masibowalker
0
So Messi behind all these events Messi doesnโt want the 2026 FIFA World Cup to happenโฆ because thereโs a tiny chance that Cristiano Ronaldo might win it. So the most logical solution according to the internet: Cancel the World Cup โ Cancel football โ Cancel the entire planet ๐๐ฅ Problem solved: No World Cup โ No winner โ No debate โ Peace between Lionel Messi and Ronaldo
Nooabknpty
0
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
there will be a translator
ANK3430
4
One turns down invites, the other hangs behind an invitee.
voebeipsuy
0
Desapointed in. R7 and messi to be friend to adictedor who is runining the World Cup. Boycott USA
Fool how is he diktator
voebeipsuy
0
Desapointed in. R7 and messi to be friend to adictedor who is runining the World Cup. Boycott USA
Not friend just business
voebeipsuy
1
Lio pโepsi will bend over for free worldcup
voebeipsuy
0
Trump : so you want worldcup Lio pโepsi : yes baby Trump : okay open your mouth Lio pโepsi : okay baby
voebeipsuy
0
Trump: so you want worldcup Lio Pโepsi: yes baby Trump: okay bend over Lio Pโepsi: okay baby
voebeipsuy
0
so how will they communicate as Messi is illiterate when it comes to English
Lio Pโepsi has translator
voebeipsuy
0
Messi can't stop following in the Goat (CR7) steps... ๐ต๐น๐
0 World cups
voebeipsuy
0
Lio Pepsi will be injured from his butt after that meeting for free worldcup
voebeipsuy
1
Lio pโepsi will take trumps milk all over his face to be gifted worldcup
voebeipsuy
0
Lio pโepsi will suck his balls to win worldcup