Trump praises Messi at the White House: “You could be better than Pelé”

Trump Praises Messi and Compares His Impact to Pelé at the White House

WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump received Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer champion team, at the White House this Thursday. During the event, Trump praised the team’s captain, the Argentine star Lionel Messi, drawing a comparison with the legendary Brazilian figure Pelé. The ceremony was part of the American tradition of honoring the champions of the country’s major professional leagues. This visit marked the first time Trump received the MLS champion.

I shouldn’t say this because then they’ll say I’m old, but I saw Pelé play when he was in the Cosmos. He was very good, but I think you could be better.

Donald Trump

The president also received several gifts from the club, including a personalized Inter Miami jersey with his last name and the number 47, referring to his position as the forty-seventh president of the country. They also gave him a personalized ball and watch. Trump highlighted Messi’s impact since his arrival in American soccer, emphasizing the pressure he faced as the team’s main figure.

I’ve seen great players come to the United States with high expectations, but they don’t always win. This kid came with all the hype and won. You came with a lot of pressure and still achieved it, and that’s something very difficult.

Donald Trump

In representation of the club, businessman Jorge Mas, president of Inter Miami, spoke about the bet the organization made when signing the Argentinian forward.

Many thought it was impossible to bring the best player in the world to our team. Today we have him here and it is a source of pride for our institution.

Jorge Mas

Inter Miami achieved its first MLS title last December, just five years after its league debut in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s short history.