Lionel Messi could be set for Donald Trump meeting this week

Martin Macdonald

• 28 Feb 2026 07:01 CST
• 4 min read

News

Inter Miami are reportedly set to visit the White House next week which could see the first-ever meeting between Lionel Messi and President Donald Trump.

The Argentine was in sparkling form for Inter Miami last season and helped the club claim the MLS Cup for the first time. According to The Athletic, a ceremony will take place on March 5 at the White House to commemorate this victory, with various Miami players and officials set to be in attendance.

So far in his life and career, Messi has steered clear of politics. He was invited to the White House previously by President Joe Biden to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, but was unable to attend due to prior commitments.

Though a meeting with Trump is not an endorsement of the president or his policies, it will certainly be newsworthy if the man considered to be the greatest footballer of all time is pictured with such a controversial figure.

Ronaldo and Trump

One superstar who certainly has endorsed Trump is Messi's nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, who attended a gala dinner at the White House late last year.

At the Gala, Trump said:

"You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo, wherever Ronaldo is here. And Barron [Trump] got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here. Really an honour."

Following the event, Ronaldo posted on Instagram:

"Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, Georgina. Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace."

Prior to meeting Trump, Ronaldo said in an interview with Piers Morgan:

“If the world is in peace, it is our goal. He [Trump] is one of the guys that can change or help to change the world. This is my main goal. He is one of the most important guys — of course he is US president. If we can help each other to make this happen

“And one of the guys I want to meet — I wish one day, if I have opportunity — is him. Make that happen — and tell him that one of the guys I want to sit and have a nice talk with is him. One of the guys — Donald Trump. Here, US, wherever he wants.

“I know he was here in Saudi with our boss MBS [Mohammed bin Salman]. I wish one day to meet him, to sit with him, because he is one of the persons I really like — because I think he can make things happen. And I like people like that.

“I wish the world goes for a peace way soon. This is what I'm looking for. And I will tell him something very — nobody knows this — but maybe one day, if I have the opportunity, I’m going to sit with him and tell him."

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