Mascherano explains Inter Miami’s White House trip as protocol after MLS Cup triumph | OneFootball

Javier Mascherano has defended Inter Miami’s controversial White House visit as protocol to mark their 2025 MLS Cup win. He said the players had expected to talk football and that the lengthy presidential remarks were not planned.

Inter Miami face DC United at the M & T Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, with more than 60,000 tickets sold by Friday afternoon, according to the Miami Herald.

Mascherano spoke on Friday, the day after the ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump, during his pre-match press conference. He explained their presence in Washington was to follow the long-standing tradition of champions being received at the White House.

The reception included a speech from the US president that ran long, which Mascherano said they had not anticipated.

He added the visit had been scheduled well in advance to align with the fixture in the Washington area. The squad stayed only a few hours and saw limited parts of the residence.

Mascherano noted their contact with President Trump went no further than what aired on television. Before Washington, the team had travelled through Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and Orlando.

Source: L'Équipe