Here’s the latest on Messi, Inter Miami White House visit, game vs. D.C. United
The World Cup is 100 days away, but for now, Lionel Messi has more pressing matters on his calendar: a planned visit to the White House with his Inter Miami teammates on Thursday to celebrate the team’s MLS Cup title followed by a road game Saturday against D.C. United in Baltimore.
As of Tuesday, the White House ceremony with President Trump was still scheduled. It was unknown whether the war in Iran might force the event to be postponed.
It would be the first time Messi visits the White House. The Argentine icon was invited to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden in January 2025, but did not attend, citing a scheduling conflict.
The President, who has become close friends with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has already welcomed Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House. Ronaldo attended a black-tie reception last November when Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Messi’s teammate, Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia, was looking forward to visiting the White House.
“We are going because we are champions from last season, I don’t get involved with politics, but I know it’s an important occasion,” Segovia said Tuesday morning after training.
Segovia and the rest of the team were more focused on preparing for the D.C. United game (4:30 p.m., Apple TV).
Inter Miami is looking to build off its dramatic come-from-behind 4-2 win over Orlando City on Sunday. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Miami scored four unanswered goals, including two by Messi, one by Segovia and one by Mateo Silvetti.
Asked what was said in the locker room at halftime to turn things around, Segovia said: “We came out with a completely different level of desire in the second half than we did the first half…We were half asleep the first half. Orlando scored two goals in the first half and we paid a price, but thankfully, we turned things around.
“We came out for the second half with amazing motivation that will characterize us this season as we aim to win a lot of big things. With that attitude, no team in the league can beat us.”
Messi was especially fired up in the second half. Following his 90th minute free kick for Miami’s fourth goal, he turned to the Orlando City diehard supporters’ section with his arms outstretched and celebrated after hearing anti-Miami chants all night.
He also looked toward the Orlando coaching staff with a smirk and made a writing gesture, as if to say: “Do you want my autograph?’’ or “Take note of that.”
Segovia said the entire team feeds off Messi’s competitive drive.
“What I take away from him is his desire to win,” Segovia said. “He has already won everything, and he wants to keep winning. That’s what impresses me the most. He never wants to lose. That carries over to us, as he is the captain, a big figure. We see that and we say, `If he wants to win that badly, how are we not going to?”
Inter Miami should have a more complete roster on Saturday than it did last weekend.
Spanish left back Sergio Reguilon, who was signed to help replace retired legend Jordi Alba, returned to practice on Tuesday, wearing tape on his right knee, after getting injured during the first preseason game on Jan. 24.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was also back practice after sitting out the Orlando game with tendinitis in his knees. Argentine midfielder David Ayala also was back in training following the death of his father last week.