As customary, Miami International, coached by Mascherano, the champions of Major League Soccer, were received at the White House by U.S. President Donald Trump.

This was also Lionel Messi’s first visit to the White House and marked the first meeting between the Argentine star and President Trump.

During the ceremony in the East Room, Trump shook hands with Messi and said, “Well done.”

This was their first official meeting, and Trump also shared a humorous anecdote involving Cristiano Ronaldo.

Trump said: “For me, it’s a tremendous honor to say something that no previous U.S. president has ever had the chance to say: Welcome to the White House, Messi.”

He continued: “My son, Barron, asked me, ‘Dad, do you know who’s coming today?’ I said, ‘I don’t know, I have a lot of things to do.’ He said, ‘Messi.’”

“He’s your loyal fan,” Trump told him, adding, “Of course, he’s also a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s great too,” which brought laughter from the players.

During the reception, Trump also asked who was better, Messi or Pelé, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

The President even inquired about De Paul’s background and, after shaking his hand, joked: “Don’t you have any ugly players?”