Javier Mascherano makes Donald Trump declare after controversial Lionel Messi assembly
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has explained the club’s White House visit with Lionel Messi to meet Donald Trump
Head Coach Javier Mascherano (L) has explained Inter Miami’s trip to the White House to meet Donald Trump.
Ex-Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has explained Inter Miami’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Following their MLS Cup victory, Mascherano and his team were invited to the White House in Washington, a visit that coincided with the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Middle East.
Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi and others were present at the White House as Trump took a break from his presidential duties to welcome the team.
It’s customary in the country for the leader to meet the champions, and Messi was presented with a signed pink football on stage in front of the press.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
However, their stage appearance coincided with Trump providing updates on the ongoing Middle East conflict, with the US and Israel conducting attacks on Iran.
Trump also discussed the Dow Jones stock market and various political situations, putting the global football stars in an uncomfortable position.
Mascherano told the Miami Herald: “I thought we were going to talk football. We complied with a protocol that is a tradition to come to the White House for being the championship team.
“It was planned a long time ago for the week we would play here in Washington. We were there a few hours, got to see a little bit of the White House, not much, what we could.
“The contact with President Trump was what was seen on TV, not much more than that. The White House visit was planned between a month and a half and two months ago.”
Messi will be hoping to lead Argentina in defending their global title this summer when the competition takes place across America, Mexico and Canada.
He’s chasing his next footballing milestone, sitting just two strikes short of the 900-goal mark. Achieving this feat would see him reach the landmark 11 months ahead of his rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese legend was mentioned during the White House ceremony, with Trump noting his son, Baron’s fondness for the forward.
He said: “He thinks you’re just a great person. He’s a tremendous fan of yours, as well as a gentleman named Ronaldo. Cristiano is great. Some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport.”
