Ivanka Trump had a lot to smile about on Saturday as she proudly watched her three children walk onto the field with soccer legend Lionel Messi ahead of Inter Miami’s dominant 4–0 victory over Nashville SC in the MLS playoffs.
The former first daughter attended the match with her kids — Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore — whom she shares with husband Jared Kushner. Before kickoff, Ivanka was seen filming the special moment from the stands as her children walked out alongside Sergio Busquets, goalie Rocco Ríos Novo, and Messi.
© CHANDAN KHANNAThe evening proved extra celebratory for the family, as Inter Miami cruised to a commanding win in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a brilliant solo run, firing the ball into the bottom corner from just outside the box. The Argentine superstar struck again 29 minutes later, capitalizing on a misplay by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis to double the lead. Teammate Tadeo Allende added two more goals in the second half to seal the decisive victory.
© CHANDAN KHANNAThroughout the game, Ivanka was spotted chatting with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas and later joined others on the field following the team’s triumph.
Her appearance came shortly after news broke that her father, President Donald Trump, reportedly wants the Washington Commanders’ upcoming $3.7 billion stadium named after him. According to ESPN, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.” When asked for clarification, Leavitt added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”
As for Messi and Inter Miami, it remains uncertain whether they’ll host another playoff match this postseason. Their next game — a single-elimination showdown against FC Cincinnati — will take place on the road at TQL Stadium, with Cincinnati holding the higher seed (No. 2 in the East compared to Miami’s No. 3).
If Miami manages to defeat Cincinnati, and No. 5 New York City upsets top-seeded Philadelphia, Messi’s squad could return home to host the conference finals.
For now, their focus is firmly on their upcoming do-or-die game on November 21.
