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By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 04: 28 AEDT, 6 March 2026 | Updated: 05: 02 AEDT, 6 March 2026 12 View comments Lionel Messi is set to visit the White House for the very first time on Thursday to celebrate Inter Miami's recent MLS Cup win. The soccer legend, who was forced to decline an invitation from ex-president Joe Biden in January 2025 after being awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom, will meet Donald Trump at the ceremony in Washington DC along with his Miami teammates, the Daily Mail can confirm. Messi's management team said at the time of his Biden snub: '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. Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future. ' Miami are being honored by the president after winning their first ever MLS Cup last season, just eight years after being founded by an ownership group that includes David Beckham. Their title defense is already underway, with Javier Mascherano's champions suffering an opening 3-0 defeat to LAFC before earning a 4-2 win over Orlando City. Messi is heading to the White House just months after great rival Cristiano Ronaldo also made the trip to meet Trump. Lionel Messi is set to visit Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, according to reports Messi is heading to Washington just months after great rival Cristiano Ronaldo also met Trump Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, and fiancee Georgina Rodriguez were in attendance as the president hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at a glitzy black-tie dinner event in November. The trio shared a laugh and a joke while taking a stroll together away from the dinner, before Cristiano and Georgina were invited into the Oval Office. The five-time Champions League winner's interaction with Trump sparked a liberal meltdown on social media, with some of his long-time fans even turning on him. Trump's planned meeting with Messi and his teammates on Thursday also comes ahead of this summer's World Cup in North America. Eleven different host cities will host 78 games across the States this summer, with Canada and Mexico also co-hosting the tournament. Met Life Stadium, home of the New York Jets and Giants, will host eight matches this summer - including the final on July 19. The World Cup is now less than 100 days away and the tournament has been plagued by controversy surrounding ticket prices, visa concerns and the relationship between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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