Lionel Messi Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, Highest US Civilian Honor

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian honor, for his outstanding soccer career and philanthropic efforts.

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Messi, a 37-year-old Argentine World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Notably, he is the first Argentine and the first male football player to receive this honor. Unfortunately, Messi was unable to attend the ceremony at the White House due to prior commitments, but he expressed his gratitude and hopes to meet with President Biden in the near future.

While other esteemed recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including U2 singer and activist Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, attended the ceremony at the White House, Lionel Messi was noticeably absent.

According to a statement released by Inter Miami, Messi's representatives explained that he had a prior commitment that prevented him from attending the ceremony. The statement revealed that the White House had informed FIFA, who in turn notified Inter Miami at the end of December about the award. Messi, through the club, sent a letter to the White House expressing his deep gratitude and acknowledging the profound privilege of receiving the recognition. However, he regretfully informed them that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he would be unable to attend the ceremony. The statement concluded, “He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in the near future.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's prosperity, values, security, world peace, or other notable endeavors. According to the White House, recipients of this prestigious award have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to shaping America's culture and values.

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding achievements in the sport and his philanthropic efforts. The White House recognized Messi as “the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer,” highlighting his support for healthcare and education programs for children worldwide through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

This award marks a historic moment, as Messi becomes the first Argentine and the second soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, following in the footsteps of US women's football star Megan Rapinoe, who was honored in 2022.