Former Liverpool star breaks silence on controversial Donald Trump meeting
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCFormer Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has clarified Inter Miami's White House meeting with Donald Trump, which coincided with the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Middle EastDonald Trump hosted Inter Miami at the White House(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has shed light on Inter Miami's meeting with United States 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 escalating 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 responsibilities to welcome the team.It's customary in the United States for championship teams to meet the country's leader, and Messi was gifted a signed pink soccer on stage in front of the press.
However, their stage appearance coincided with Trump providing updates on the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, with the United States and Israel conducting attacks on Iran.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah goes one better than Wayne Rooney's Man Utd record for LiverpoolREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk outlines priority for 'special talent' Rio Ngumoha after Wolves displayTrump also touched on the Dow Jones stock market and various political issues, placing the global soccer stars in an uncomfortable situation.Speaking to the Miami Herald, Mascherano said: "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.Javier Mascherano has moved to explain Inter Miami's visit to the White House and meeting with Donald Trump(Image: Getty Images)"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 defense of the country's world title this summer when the tournament takes place across the United States, Mexico and Canada.He is pursuing his latest milestone in soccer, sitting just two goals shy of reaching 900.
In achieving this, he will hit the mark 11 months ahead of his rival Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese legend was referenced during the ceremony at the White House, as Trump drew attention to his son, Baron, and the youngster's admiration for the winger.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.