Awe-struck moment as Messi and co. are welcomed by Trump amid Iran–Cuba war talk

US President Donald Trump arrived beside Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on 5 March 2026, during a ceremony honouring the Major League Soccer champions. He congratulated the players and officials of Inter Miami CF, the defending MLS champions. However, the moment took an unusual turn: he did not reference the club’s victory, but spoke of Iran and the US plan to topple the Cuban regime. Messi is seen holding his head as Trump spoke. ‘We will destroy more missiles from Iran and the German drone capability, neutralising them in a way never imagined before,’ Trump said. ‘As soon as they launch missiles, within four minutes those missiles will be destroyed. They do not know what is coming. We have the best military in the world. The Navy has been destroyed. Twenty-four ships in three days. That is a lot of ships,’ Trump added. Behind them, Messi and the Inter Miami squad appear transfixed, staring towards Trump. Not only that, Trump also touched on Cuba. Trump hinted that he would pivot to Cuba, the Caribbean island nation after the Iran war. Cuba is currently facing heavy pressure from the US in the form of an energy blockade. ‘What is happening with Cuba is truly extraordinary,’ Trump said.