Javier Mascherano, coach of Inter Miami, reacted angrily to the criticism generated on social media by the visit of the Herons, current champions of Major League Soccer (MLS), to the White House, stating that they went because obligation due to their role as monarchs of North American soccer.

Mascherano explained that the team's presence never had political undertones, but was part of the League's protocol for League champions, which includes a visit to the official residence of the President of the United States and interaction with the current head of government.

The Inter Miami coach responded that: "We were only complying with the protocol," but faced with persistent questioning regarding the controversy sparked by Donald Trump's comments comparing Lionel Messi to Pele, and especially the presence of the American team with the head of the United States government so close to the World Cup, Mascherano responded with annoyance that he thought only soccer would be discussed in his meeting with the media.

Mascherano revealed that they were only complying with the protocol, that it is a tradition to go to the White House as the MLS champion team, a fact that many seem to have forgotten, hence the reason for so much controversy surrounding the team.

Miami.

“It was planned a long time ago,” said the Florida team's manager, explaining that the visit was arranged in advance, taking advantage of their trip to Washington to play a league match this past weekend against DC United.

“We were there for a few hours, we were able to see a bit of the White House, not much, just what we could. The contact with President Trump was what was seen on television, not much more than that,” the manager emphasized.

Finally, he stated that he didn't see the reason for so much controversy, since ultimately everything that happened was part of the protocol, an obligation they had to fulfill in their role as MLS champions.

“We had to fulfill our obligation, but the reality is different from yesterday, which has nothing to do with our sporting side,” he concluded.

On social media, there was much criticism for going to greet Donald Trump without regard for the current global geopolitical realignment, including the military offensive against Iran, among other controversial decisions and actions undertaken by the head of the US executive branch.