Javier Mascherano explains Lionel Messi's Donald Trump meeting after US-Iran war backlash
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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballJavier MascheranoInter Miami were visitors to the White House to meet Donald Trump this weekFormer Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has moved to explain Inter Miami's encounter with President of the United States Donald Trump. Mascherano and his squad were invited to the White House in Washington after their MLS Cup win but their trip coincided with the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Middle East.Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi and co. were present that the White House as Trump took time away from his presidential duties to greet the team.
It is a tradition in the country to meet the leader of the country and Messi was presented with a signed pink football on stage in front of the media.However, their appearance on stage coincided with Trump providing updates on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East with the US and Israel orchestrating attacks on Iran.READ MORE: Huge Real Madrid injury update on Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham for Man City clashREAD MORE: Scottie Scheffler names golfers he definitely won't sit next to at Masters Champions DinnerTrump also discussed the Dow Jones stock market, a variety of political situations, putting the stars of world football in an awkward 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 inspire Argentina to defending their world crown in the summer when the tournament is held in America, Mexico and Canada.He is going in search of reaching his latest landmark within football as he sits two goals away from reaching 900.
In doing so, he will reach the number 11 months earlier than his foe Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese icon was mentioned during the procession at the White House as Trump highlighted his son, Baron'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.