Home » Lionel Messi receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Lionel Messi receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Written By : cyreez — January 6, 2025

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Saturday at the White House.

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Messi gets Presidential Medal of Freedom

The White House recognized Messi for supporting “healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

The President awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom as the highest civilian honor in the United States.

The medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s prosperity, values, or security, to world peace, or to other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.

“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” said outgoing USA president Joe Biden.

“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”

However, Messi did not make it to the ceremony due to “scheduling issues.”

The 37-year-old sent a letter to the White House, informing officials that he would be unable to attend after learning in December that he would receive the honor, Messi’s management team and Inter Miami told USA TODAY Sports.

“He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in the near future,” Messi’s team said.

Biden bestowed the honor on 19 of the most prominent figures in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.

One of the greatest football players of all time

Messi, 37, is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.

He holds individual records with eight Ballon d’Or awards and eight titles as FIFA’s World Best Player.

The Argentine won 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup.

In his first full season with Inter Miami in MLS, Messi claimed the 2024 league MVP award after registering 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches, while his club set a league record with a 74-point season.