Recent meeting between Lionel Messi, forward of the football club "Inter Miami," and President Donald Trump at the White House sparked heated discussions. This event was timed to coincide with the team's triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup. However, despite the festive occasion, Trump unexpectedly shifted to sharp political issues concerning relations with Iran and Cuba, which provoked a negative reaction among some fans. Videos appeared on social media showing fans from Iran burning Messi jerseys in protest.
Javier Mascherano, head coach of "Inter Miami," noted that players were informed in advance that the meeting would be dedicated solely to sports achievements and congratulations on the title. However, the agenda of the event unexpectedly changed towards political topics. At the same time, the club's co-owner, Jorge Mas, shared information about Messi's financial performance, indicating that his annual income ranges from 70 to 80 million dollars, including salary, bonuses, and various commercial contracts.
Although the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House has long been rooted in American culture, this reception has become one of the most discussed due to its political context. Representatives of the club and Messi himself have not yet provided any additional official comments regarding the incident with the protesting fans.
