India, March 6 -- Lionel Messi was honoured by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, after winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami last year. In a lavish ceremony, Trump announced, "It's my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before: 'Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi.'"

Trump also revealed that his 19-year-old son Barron idolises the Argentine superstar. He also name-dropped Cristiano Ronaldo, who had visited the White House last year. "My son said, 'Dad, you know who's going to be there today?' I said, 'No, I got a lot of things going on today.'"

"He said 'Messi!' He's a big fan of yours. He thinks you're just a great person. And I think you got to meet a little w...