President Donald Trump highlighted the global reach of American soccer on Friday, specifically praising Inter Miami for their ability to hold their own against Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC during their championship season.
Hosting the 2025 MLS Cup winners at the White House, the President focused heavily on the team’s international performance during the FIFA Club World Cup held last June. He singled out the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium, where Inter Miami battled to a 0–0 draw against the Cairo-based “Club of the Century.”
“Your performance was incredible,” President Trump told Lionel Messi and the squad. “You went up against some of the best teams in the world and stood your ground against the top Egyptian club.”
The President’s focus on the Al Ahly match underscored the defensive resilience Inter Miami showed during the tournament’s opening stages. The scoreless draw against the African champions was a defining moment for the MLS side, proving they could compete with historic clubs from established footballing regions outside of Europe and the Americas.
The reception took a personal turn when the President shared his family’s admiration for the sport’s greatest stars. Trump mentioned that his son, a devoted soccer fan, is an admirer of both Messi and his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
“My son told me he’s a big fan of yours and thinks you’re a fantastic person,” Trump said to Messi, recalling a previous meeting between the two. He added that his son also holds high regard for the Portuguese legend: “He’s a huge fan of you, and of Cristiano Ronaldo—that noble gentleman.”
