Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden on Saturday, but he did not attend the ceremony at the White House. The Argentine World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, now plays for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in the United States. Messi is the first Argentinian and first male football player to receive this honour. But while other recipients of the award, including U2 singer and activist Bono, former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, attended the ceremony at the White House, Messi was absent.
Messi’s representatives said in a statement distributed by Inter Miami that Messi had a prior commitment.
“The White House informed FIFA, who informed the club in late December that Leo would be awarded this honour,” the statement said.
“Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he was deeply honored and that it was a deep privilege to receive this recognition, but due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he would be unable to attend. .
“They appreciated the gesture and said they looked forward to having the opportunity to meet in the near future,” the statement said.
According to the White House, the award is given to individuals who have “made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other important social, public, or private endeavors.”
The White House statement said Messi was honored as “the most honored player in the history of professional soccer.” He supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Biden presented the medal to USA women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe in 2022, the first time the honor has been given to a soccer player.
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