Lionel Messi visits the White House as Trump honours Inter Miami | OneFootball

Lionel Messi visited the White House as President Donald Trump hosted Inter Miami, the reigning MLS champions, in Washington on Thursday.

According to SuperDepor.com, the ceremony formed part of a long-standing United States tradition in which title-winning teams are welcomed each year.

There was a brief surprise when the squad had arrived but Messi was initially absent, before he was then seen entering alongside Trump. The event took place after 18:30 in Argentina, two hours earlier in Washington.

The highlight was the president’s address, which touched on the conflict involving Israel and the United States with Iran, and on the situation in Venezuela following the capture and imprisonment of Nicolás Maduro, before he turned to the guests.

Trump said it was an honour to welcome Lionel Messi to the White House, noted that the Argentine is a hero to his son, and lightened the mood by asking who is better, Messi or Pelé.

He also greeted club owner Jorge Más with a handshake, and praised the work of head coach Javier Mascherano and the Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez.

Messi must travel to Washington as Inter Miami play DC United on Saturday in Baltimore, a city close to the White House, in the third round of MLS.

Source: SuperDepor.com