Lionel Messi set for White House visit as POTUS Donald Trump hosts special ceremony for MLS Cup winners Inter Miami
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi and his teammates are set to visit the White House to meet US President Donald Trump in a special ceremony to celebrate their MLS Cup triumph last year.
Messi, 38, played a key role in their maiden MLS Cup success. After contributing 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 games in the regular season, where the Herons finished third in the Eastern Conference, the Argentine continued his fine form in the play-offs.
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In six games, Messi scored six times and assisted seven, including a brace of assists in the 3-1 final win over Vancouver, as the Herons won the competition for the very first time.
As per Daily Mail, Messi and Co. are now set to visit the White House to meet President Trump on Thursday (March 6). A year ago, the Argentine couldn’t meet then President Joe Biden after being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, due to scheduling commitments.
“Messi said he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive the recognition but would be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments,” the player’s management team said at the time.
“Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future.”
The Herons have already commenced their MLS Cup title defence, losing 3-0 at LAFC in their campaign opener before winning 4-2 at Orlando, with Lionel Messi scoring twice.
What’s next for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have had a slow start to their MLS Cup title defence, with a loss and a win in their opening two games. After drawing a blank against LAFC, Messi got going for the campaign with a brace at Orlando.
Up next, Javier Mascherano’s side travel to D.C. United on Saturday (March 7) before commencing their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign with a Round of 16 first-leg clash at Nashville four days later.
Messi stands on the cusp of a special milestone, needing just two more goals to join Cristiano Ronaldo (965) as the only players in the game’s history to score 900 times for club and country.
Edited by Bhargav