Lionel Messi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United State's highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden on Saturday, but did not attend the ceremony at the White House.
Lionel Messi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United State's highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden on Saturday, but did not attend the ceremony at the White House. The Argentine World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now plays in the United States for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.
Messi is the first Argentine to receive the honor and the first male soccer player. But while other honorees, 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 released by Inter Miami that Messi had a prior engagement. "The White House informed FIFA, which informed the club at the end of December that Leo would receive this recognition," the press release said.
"Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House stating that he was very honored and very privileged to receive this recognition, but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he was unable to attend. "He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet soon," the statement added
awarded to people who have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, the world. peace or other important social endeavors, public or private," according to the White House.
The White House statement said Messi received the award as "the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, supports health and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Biden presented the medal to American soccer star Megan Rapinoe in 2022, the first time a female soccer player has received the honor.
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