President Donald Trump has sparked debate by declaring that Lionel Messi is a better footballer than Brazilian legend lete”,”Pelé”,”Brazilian football legend”]. He made the statement during a White House ceremony honoring Inter Miami CF for their achievements last season.
As reported by Pulse Sports, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates were welcomed to the White House, continuing the longstanding tradition of championship-winning teams visiting the nation’s capital.
The Florida-based club earned the invitation after winning the 2025 MLS Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in December 2025. This triumph caps Messi’s efforts to transform American soccer since his high-profile move in mid-2023.
Since arriving, Messi has helped Inter Miami capture the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup. During the East Room ceremony, Trump praised the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s cultural and sporting influence on the league: “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do… because you sort of expected to win, but almost nobody wins.”
At the event, Trump entered the ongoing “GOAT” conversation, comparing Messi to Pelé, who famously helped popularize professional soccer in the United States during his stint with the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, scoring 37 goals in 64 appearances. A New York native, Trump said he watched Pelé during that era but insisted Messi is the superior player.
Addressing the crowd, Trump asked, “Who’s better, Messi or Pelé?” The question drew laughter, and the Inter Miami players shouted “Messi” in unison. Turning to the 38-year-old Argentine captain, Trump said, “I think you are better.”
Despite the comparison, Trump acknowledged that both Messi and Pelé used the twilight of their careers to elevate the profile of soccer in the United States.
