MIAMI — Inter Miami will visit the White House on March 5 to commemorate the team’s 2025 MLS Cup championship, a club source confirmed Friday night.

The Athletic was the first to report the news.

The Miami Herald source added that “everyone” on the team will attend the ceremony with President Donald Trump, which indicates that team captain Lionel Messi will be there. Inter Miami plays a road game against D.C. United on March 7, so the team will travel two days early for the White House visit.

It would be the first time Messi visits the White House. The Argentine icon was invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden in January 2025, but did not attend, citing a scheduling conflict.

The President, who has become close friends with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has already welcomed Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House. Ronaldo, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, attended a black-tie reception last November when Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

It is customary for championship professional and college teams in the United States to visit the White House and be congratulated by the president. The first time a professional sports team visited the White House was in 1869 when the Cincinnati Red Stockings visited Ulysses S. Grant.

D.C. United was the first MLS winner to visit the White House in 1998. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham attended a White House ceremony with the LA Galaxy in 2012 after winning the 2011 MLS Cup.

President Barack Obama welcomed MLS champions seven times during his two terms. The Galaxy made trips to the White House after winning MLS Cup 2011, 2012 and 2014. The Columbus Crew, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City also visited during Obama’s terms.

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